DOH-7 clarifies: Allocation of Pfizer vaccines yet to be decided

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas has clarified that no definite number of doses of Pfizer vaccines has been allocated for Cebu City yet contrary to Mayor Edgardo Labella’s claim that 7,800 doses are expected to be delivered soon.

DOH-7 spokesperson Mary Jean Loreche said they still have to meet on Monday to discuss the allocations for the three highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

“As for Pfizer, we are still waiting for the final listing for the allocation, but definitely, it’s allocated to the three Highly Urbanized Cities. Most likely, we will be discussing on Monday which facility this will be given to including the volume of doses,” said Loreche.

Recently, Central Visayas received 29,250 doses of Pfizer vaccines from the national government which will be distributed to the different provinces in the region. As of May 11, the region received a total of 396,210 doses of vaccines---204,960 Sinovac and 162,000 AstraZeneca, the rest are Pfizer.

As of May 13, vaccinated individuals under A1 or the medical frontliners have already reached a total of 89,115 wherein 45.8% have completed the two doses. For A2 or seniors, 22,499 have been vaccinated with their first dose but no available figures for A3 or those with comorbidities.

Under the Project Balik Buhay, there are now 1,810 vaccinated for A1, A2 and A3 priorities----667 in Lapu-Lapu; 4,081 in Mandaue; and 303 for Cebu Province. — FPL (FREEMAN)