Businessmen should be allowed to use the COVID-19 vaccines they purchased as booster shot for their employees and families, senators said Wednesday.
Twenty-six business groups have sought clearance from the government to use the procured vaccines as boosters for employees as the current priority for third dose jabs are limited to frontliners, seniors and persons with comorbidities.
Sen. Sonny Angara, who sponsored the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act, said he supported the call from the private sector, which was rejected by the government's vaccine czar, Carlito Galvez Jr.
Galvez said there were still many Filipinos who have yet to receive a single shot. Private companies need government approval to procure and deploy vaccines.
Angara said the appeal of the private sector was reasonable, given the steady supply of vaccines.
"We understand that there is still a huge portion of our adult population that remains unvaccinated. We reiterate our call for all Filipinos to get these life-saving vaccines," Angara said.
"But when we have a situation where vaccines are available and are about to expire, then we should consider the call of the private sector, who are prepared to use them right away," he added.
Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said it was about time for the government to adopt the policy of vaccinating those who are willing."Kung sino ang may gusto, bakunahan na. But give as booster shots only those designed or formulated as booster shot," he said.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the government should not wait for the vaccines to expire.
"If there is still vaccine hesitancy, then go ahead with the booster shots to A4. Let's not waste the vaccines," he added.
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