Wednesday, September 23, 2026

At least 44 million COVID-19 vaccines wasted in Philippines: Official

A senior health official said this had resulted in a loss of about $392.85 million.

• December 6, 2022
COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine

Some 44 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have gone to waste in the Philippines, mainly because they had reached the end of their shelf life, the health department said on Tuesday.

Senior health official Maria Rosario Vergeire said this had resulted in a loss of about $392.85 million.

The official added that the waste occurred due to expiry dates, natural calamities and errors in hand lines.

As of Sunday, more than 73.6 million Filipinos had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with only 20.9 million people having received their first booster shots.

Earlier, on Monday, a three-day nationwide vaccination drive was launched in order to increase coverage among children aged five to 11. 

(dpa/NAN)

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