DOH: 92% of donated COVID-19 bivalent vaccines already administered

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 5) — The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Tuesday that 92% of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccines donated by Lithuania last June have been administered to dedicated priority groups as of September 1.

This is equivalent to 359,318 administered doses, Health Undersecretary Enrique Tayag said in a media forum.

Tayag, also the DOH spokesperson, said those from priority groups who want to get vaccinated may still do so if there are available supplies, but he warned that stocks are very limited. Those currently eligible to receive the bivalent vaccines are healthcare workers, senior citizens, and people with comorbidities or who are immunocompromised.

"Wala pa pong binibigay sa 'ming pahayag kung [ang COVID-19 bivalent vaccines] ay madadagdagan bago matapos ang taon sa panibagong donasyon na maaari nating matanggap — kung saka-sakali, bago matapos 'yong taon o sa mga unang buwan ng 2024," he said.

[Translation: We don't have information yet on whether we will receive additional COVID-19 bivalent doses — if ever, we might receive them before year-end or during the first few months of 2024.]

Tayag also reiterated that COVID-19 bivalent vaccination is not yet recommended for the general public.

He also noted that vaccination efforts against COVID-19, especially for those without their primary doses, will continue despite the country lifting the public health emergency status last July.