As the government works on acquiring COVID-19 vaccines for Filipinos, LGUs are expected to play a big role to ensure the smooth flow of the vaccination program that is expected to start by the first quarter of 2021. But what exactly is it?
LGUs are expected to coordinate with the departments of Health (DOH) and the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19.
The government has explained that the poorest of the poor will be prioritized in the vaccination program. In this regard, LGUs are expected to prepare a priority listing of people to be vaccinated by geographical area and sector. Other people on the government’s priority list are the elderly, frontliners, and the police and military.
The LGUs are expected to prepare an inventory of possible vaccination centers, both public and private hospitals, and vaccination areas. President Duterte had earlier suggested making police precincts and military camps as the vaccination centers.
Local governments should also prepare an inventory of Cold Chain Storage and transportation available like ambulance, vans, trucks, and air and naval vehicles.
They are likewise tasked to prepare QR codes for people to be vaccinated. This will be in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for the national ID.
LGUs should prepare the required people and vaccinators to be mobilized and the cost for their training, orientation, and simulation.
They are also encouraged to enter into a tripartite agreement with the national government and a vaccine company.
Lastly, LGUs are expected to prepare additional costs required in the preparation and implementation of the vaccination program.
Update on vaccination roadmap
The Philippine National Vaccine Roadmap has seven stages:
1. Scientific evaluation and selection (most critical)
2. Access and acquisition (Guarantee of access)
3. Procurement process and financing
4. Production, shipment, and storage
5. Distribution and deployment
6. Implementation and nationwide vaccination
7. Assessment, evaluation, and monitoring
The government is looking to start the sixth stage of the roadmap within the first quarter of 2021 with the vaccines of China’s Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Cansino; and Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is expected to come to the Philippines within the second quarter while the vaccines from Pfizer, COVAX, Johnson and Johnson, Novarax, and Moderna are expected by the third quarter.
Source: Manila Bulletin (https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/20/what-people-can-expect-from-lgus-for-covid-19-vaccination-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-people-can-expect-from-lgus-for-covid-19-vaccination-program)
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