THE National Vaccine Operations Center (NVOC) said they have recorded more vaccine wastage in areas badly affected by Typhoon “Odette.”
More vaccine wastage was recorded today, a few days after typhoon Odette hit Visayas and Mindanao.
During the Laging Handa public briefing, Dr. Kezia Lorraine Rosario of the NVOC said the Department of Health regional offices are currently conducting extraction activities for the vaccines.
This means the DOH will try to determine which of the vaccines are still fit to use and which ones can be considered as “wastage.”
Many of the local government units want to salvage all vaccines. However, the NVOC reiterated that their priority is the integrity and safety of the vaccines before they are administered to humans.
Rosario said if the vaccines floated in floodwaters or became exposed to a new temperature level because of lack of electricity for more than four hours, they will consider if the vaccines are to be considered for disposal or are still fit for use.
If the vaccine is broken or the label is removed due to long exposure to water, it shall be already be considered as wastage.
Rosario said that by this afternoon, they may be able to get the overall count of wasted vaccines due to the typhoon.