Rollout of vaccines in CV on hold

The mass rollout of vaccines in Central Visayas (CV) has yet to be finalized due to the depleted supply of AstraZeneca, according to Department of Health-Central Visayas spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche.

Affected by the delay are senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities in the region, including the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

“We have problems with AstraZeneca supplies and we are waiting for FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and HTAC (Health Technology Assessment Council) to review the Sinovac data safety for seniors,” Loreche said.

In the cities of Cebu and Mandaue alone, there are more than 90,000 and 36,000 elderlies, respectively.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Health Department chief Dr. Jeffrey Ibones has urged senior citizens in the city to register for the vaccination program.

He reiterated the plan of the city government to procure P100 million to P200 million worth of vaccines expected to be delivered by the third quarter of the year.