MANILA, Philippines — Some Filipinos are reluctant to be vaccinated with Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines following delayed deliveries last year, a health official said Friday.
Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said there is a problem with the use of and preference for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Gamaleya Research Institute in the country.
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“Initially there was a good uptake of Gamaleya. But we had the problem middle and late last year when the second doses did not arrive on time and took several months before they arrived,” Cabotaje, who heads the National Vaccination Operations Center, said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.
“The citizens are now hesitant to get their Gamaleya shots thinking they might not get their second shot,” she added.
The Sputnik V jab consists of two different components of the vaccine. Government officials earlier said that delays in delivery will not compromise the efficacy of shots.
Cabotaje also said some Filipinos do not want to receive the Sputnik V vaccine because several nations do not recognize the Russian-made jab.
No more orders
According to the health official, the government has completed its orders from the Russian drugmaker. “We are not expecting and we have not procured any additional Gamaleya vaccines.”
The applications to extend the shelf life of Sputnik V and AstraZeneca vaccines are being processed, Cabotaje added.
The Philippines is experiencing a low vaccine uptake as COVID-19 infections continue to decline, prompting the government to hold another round of mass immunizations. Authorities are also bringing jabs to houses, private clinics and transport terminals to widen the rollout.
Since March 2021, over 63.9 million Filipinos have completed vaccination against COVID-19.