Republic of the Philippines Department of Health OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY ‘November 26. 2020 Dear ‘The Department of Health would like to thank you for your initiative to correct wrong information and issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. These are the Department's response to your queries sent today. 1. In the Nov. 18 House hearing, DOH said the department is finalizing the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan ~ which outlines who are the priority population to be immunized. May we know if DOW is the leading agency in devising this plan? a. Ifnot, what is the role of the department on this matter? ‘The National Deployment and Vaccination Plan is a complex process that necessitates the coordination of various agencies. There are 3 main stages in the COVID-19 vaccine delivery plan for the Philippines. The first stage involves vaccine development. This is led by the DOST for vaccine evaluation, FDA, and DFA for diplomatic engagement and negotiations. The second stage involves vaccine procurement and finance. This part is led by the PS-DBM. Tae third and last stage is the vaccine deployment and roll-out which is led by the DOH with TGRML (Cold chain and logistics management). The Department of Health is involved in all the task groups in the Vaccine cluster ‘organizational structure. However, our main role lies in ensuring that an end-to-end system for COVID-19 vaccination is established. Specifically, the Department of Health is the lead in the Task Group Immunization Program and our roles and responsibilities include the following: 1. Plan and craft policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures related to the COVID-19 vaccine deployment and program implementation. 2. Estimate potential numbers of target populations that will be prioritized for access to vaccines stratified by target group and geographic location, 3. Identify potential COVID-19 vaccine delivery strategies. 4, Create a data information system for all vaccine recipients. ‘Biding 1, Sun Lazaro Compound, Rial Avene, Sa, Chaz, 1003 Mania Trunk Line 651-7900 local 108, 1111, 1112, 1013 Dirt Lie: 71-9502; 711-9503 Fax: 743-1829 » URL: hp Awww doh gow ph, email: aque aot oh5. Provide capacity building and training to implementers. 6. Develop or adapt existing and implement AEFI/Post-marketing surveillance and monitoring framework. 7. Ensure or craft guidelines, procedures and tools for planning and conducting vaccine pharmacovigilance activities. 2. In the Nov. 23 COVID-19 briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte, Health Secretary Duque said the vaccination deployment plan will follow a geographical then sectoral approach. Aside from the three identified high-risk areas (NCR, Davao City, and Cebu City) and the 12. sectors, are there any other areas that the DOH is looking to include in its deployment plan as of now? As of writing, the Department of Health only has the list of prioritized sectors for vaccination, This includes: Medical Frontliners (Health Professionals, Primary Care and Hospitals) Barangay Health Workers Other Allied Health Workers Frontliners (BJMP & BuCor) Medical Frontliners (Health workers of DepEd and DSWD) Senior Citizens Indigent Population Others (uniformed personnel, vulnerable population and those with comorbidities) For the priority areas for vaccine distribution, the DOH will be monitoring trends in the number of cases before making a final list. We will provide updates once available. We extend our gratitude to you for your unwavering commitment to protecting the health of Filipinos. Very truly yours, MARIA ROSARIO SINGH-VERGEIRE, MD, MPH, CESO IV OIC-Undersecretary of Health