PH expresses interest to get some of Canada’s excess COVID-19 jabs

FILE PHOTO: A woman holds a small bottle labeled with a “Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine” sticker and a medical syringe in this illustration taken October 30, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has expressed interest in receiving some of Canada’s excess COVID-19 vaccines of about 100 million doses, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Rodolfo Robles disclosed Monday.

In an online Palace briefing, Robles said Canada has 180 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines but only has a population of about 40 million.

“Even if they get double [doses], they have an excess of about 100 [million] doses,” Robles said.

“And I had the Philippines listed among those who are interested to get the excess of Canada,” he added.

Robles said Canada is expecting to have its population vaccinated by the middle of the fourth quarter this year.

“So before the end of the year, we will know how many excess [vaccines] Canada will have. And I am really watching with an eager eye on the prospect of getting some excess directly from Canada,” he added.

The Philippines is also expecting to receive up to a million doses from the excess COVID-19 vaccines of the United States.

KGA