Long vax expiry dates assured

Cabinet Secretary and acting Presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles on Sunday disclosed that the national government is already taking steps to accept only coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine donations that are far from expiring.

Nograles noted that the government has already set parameters and guidelines when it comes to accepting donations and is already coordinating with manufacturers regarding expiration dates.

“Another thing Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said is they are coordinating with donors to donate vaccines that are not close to expiring,” said Nograles in a radio interview. “Though we are thankful to those who donate, the reality on the ground also is we do not want to have too much supplies that are close to expiring. That will add pressure on us.”

However, Nograles stressed that while the shelf lives of Covid-19 vaccines may be extended, it is not possible for all brands.

“Secretary Charlie Galvez and members of the vaccine cluster have said that there are some expired vaccines that can still be used. And we have documents giving us permission to still use them,” Nograles said.

He ensured, though, that Covid-19 vaccines are used up before they expire.

“We are doing everything to ensure that we follow a first in, first out scheme so that they’re used up before the expiration date. Of course, we’re very mindful using up those with closer expiration dates,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

The Philippines aims to inoculate at least 54 million Filipinos by the end of December this year to achieve population protection.