Ever since coronavirus exploded in the first quarter of 2020, a lot of us have had only a few things in mind. A couple of them being, one, how to stay safe amid a pandemic, and two, how we can get access to a COVID-19 vaccine to carry on with our lives.
After months of coping with one of the strictest lockdowns in the world, it seems like we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. But even this is easier said than done, what with all the challenges (not to mention, controversies) that surround the mere goal of having everyone vaccinated.
Thankfully, these cities in Metro Manila are taking small but productive steps towards that goal. Here’s all you need to know about getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Metro Manila.
Also read: COVID-19 Philippines Travel Advisory for Filipinos & Foreign Visitors
The Caloocan city government has prepared ₱125 million for the procurement of a COVID-19 vaccine. It plans to provide the vaccine to its residents for free. The city has already been in contact with a few pharmaceutical companies. However, it has stated that it will still wait for the approval of both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the national government.
The Makati city government has announced that they will be allocating ₱1 billion to the COVID-19 vaccination of its residents. They would also be given free of charge. An online registration system is also being set up to facilitate an efficient administration of the vaccine.
The Manila city government has launched Manila CoVac, a website dedicated to getting the coveted COVID-19 vaccine. Here, you can pre-register by simply keying in details like your full name, birthday, gender, home address, and contact number.
You’ll be asked to answer a short questionnaire declaring your exposure and medical history. After validating these pieces of information, you will receive an OTP or one-time pin that will give you access to a waiver page, which you must sign.
To register for a COVID-19 vaccine in Manila, visit this page.
The Marikina city government has spared ₱82.7 million in November 2020 for vaccine procurement.
The Navotas city government has set aside ₱20 million for its vaccination programme. The budget would increase depending on the demands in the course of time.
The Pasig city government likewise allocated ₱300 million for its city-wide vaccination. Prioritising health workers and senior citizens, the programme is now focusing on finalising the number of doses it would procure within the year.
The Quezon City government is currently finalising a negotiation with “a reputable multinational pharmaceutical company”. An initial 750,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will be acquired for the city’s free vaccination programme.
The city also said that it will give priority to health workers, senior citizens, and adult persons with disabilities. Quezon City also created the Task Force Vax to Normal to facilitate the inoculation. It has already allocated ₱1 billion to cover both the vaccines and other inoculation supplies.
The San Juan City government will also make a free COVID-19 vaccine available as part of the city’s ₱50 million procurement budget. When the approved vaccine is here, San Juan will also make sure to prioritise the vaccination of select people. These include healthcare and medical workers, as well as indigent senior citizens.
Both an online and on-site registration (via health centres and barangay halls) system are already in place.
To register for a COVID-19 vaccine in San Juan (for those opting for the online option), visit this page.
The Taguig city government will also allot ₱1 billion to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine for its residents. Part of Taguig’s COVID-19 recovery plan which covers testing, treatment, and vaccination, the budget was already approved by the Department of Budget Management, as of December 2020.
The plan also states that all Taguig residents in its 28 barangays can expect to get the vaccine for free. Meanwhile, the city will set up vaccine demonstration station units to help facilitate the vaccination as soon as a vaccine has been approved by authorities.
The Valenzuela city government is currently eyeing to allot ₱150 million for the acquisition of a vaccine. Like some of the other cities, it will be administered to the city’s residents free of charge. The budget will be taken from Valenzuela’s Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund and the Quick Response Fund.
The procurement will also start as soon as a vaccine has been approved by the FDA and the Inter-Agency Task Force.
Also read: Drive-Through Testing for COVID-19 Is Now Available in PH Cities & Hospitals
This article will be updated from time to time following developments by each Metro Manila city government. Be sure to follow TripZilla Philippines to know more updates on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine for Filipinos!
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