PHP5.1 Billion of Covid-19 Vaccines Expired in July 2022! Lack of Planning For Delivery or Lack of Demand? Perhaps Both.

While government and private sector bicker over who is responsible for wasted vaccines, the general demand for vaccines lags, particularly as adverse reactions are discussed widely in social media.

Some 3.6 million doses of Moderna vaccine expired on July 27, while 632,000 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca expired on July 31, article.

Entrepreneurial Advisor JoeyCon is calling out the Government’s slow action on approving booster doses for 18 and up with comorbidities, and all persons 50 and up as being the cause of the wastage, article, U-tube, as well as inadequate delivery to those who have not yet taken the primary vaccine series.

Let’s be frank. Worldwide demand for covid-19 vaccines has been slowing, particularly for new doses and completion of initial protocol. All those who wanted covid-19 vaccines already got them; promoting vaccines to those who already said no, after more than 15 months of relentless marketing is a very hard sell, even with coercion / enticements. Even second boosters may be a harder sell for people who already took a first booster; particularly as they watch cases rise in people who have already been multiply dosed! The Philippines and world uptake are shown below.

Perhaps people are becoming cautious despite reassurances from the authorities that the vaccine are safe and effective, with minor if any side effects.

Shared social media stories of adverse outcomes do nothing to encourage uptake. Many people I have spoken to, took the primary dose, some even took a first booster, but now they don’t want any more; particularly with posts like this one.

There are also groups on facebook, telegram, and viber sharing stories of tragic outcomes! The CDCPH-PPMH-AFVI are encouraging reporting of adverse reactions, and providing assistance to victims.

Some of the people will say “I've had enough, thank you”, and get on with their lives!