Vaccines in the Philippines

The first vaccine to arrive Philippines was Sinovac, on February 28, 2021, donated by China. About 600 thousands of the vaccine arrived in the evening. The next day though, on Monday, a batch of 400 plus thousands of AstraZeneca vaccines were to come; to be donated by the United Nation Covax facility, but to everybody’s disappointment, it was delayed once more. The Philippines was one of the last countries in Asia to be given the vaccines by the United Nation. But, we so much need it since we are second highest in number of cases in South East Asia. 

Upon arrival, the Sinovac vaccine was distributed to different regions and hospitals in the Philippines. I was very happy that Cotabato City, part of the Muslim autonomous region BARMM was also given allocation but alas, many health care workers who are the first recipients of the vaccine were wary about the Chinese product. Oh, but please we so much need the roll out, the soonest the better, and as many inoculations as possible because of the rising new cases again. People here in our country do not seem to know how to follow safety protocols. After a week, Philippines finally received the so much anticipated 400 thousand plus AstraZeneca. Again after another week, another batch came to make it around 500 thousand plus of AstraZeneca vaccines. Thankfully AstraZeneca was also allocated to the autonomous region. But they are really not enough. Of the 6,0000 vials for Cotabato City, only 3,000 can be given because of the two doses requirement. As of yesterday, March 13, 2021, only 114 thousand healthcare workers were so far vaccinated in the whole country. If you must know, Philippines has more than 110 million people in this islands nation. 

O Lord, how can we weather the surging of the virus? We have been cooped up for almost a year now, and still the numbers are still going up. What is your plan O Divine Master? We are so weak and weary already. Please come to help us O Lord Jesus. O Lord. Please look down upon us with mercy. We need your divine intervention to end the spread of the virus and the pandemic very very soon. Only you can help us and rescue us. Lord, have mercy. Please look down upon us with mercy and love.