Private sector expects first batch of Moderna vaccines by 'week of June 21'

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11)— The private sector expects the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines being imported from American firm Moderna to arrive by "the week of June 21."

"We did order Moderna [vaccine] together with the national government. That's 20 million [doses] total for 10 million people," business tycoon Enrique Razon said in an exclusive interview with CNN Philippines' News.PH.

"The first batch is scheduled to arrive the week of June 21," he pointed out.

The Philippines in March signed a tripartite agreement with Moderna for 20 million doses of its vaccine with 13 million doses secured by the government while the remaining seven million were ordered by the private sector.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Babe Romualdez also earlier said the first deliveries of the Moderna vaccine may arrive by mid-year.

The Food and Drug Administration approved last week the Moderna vaccine for emergency use in the country.