MANDALUYONG CITY -- “The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is very happy that we could assist in COVID19 vaccination. Every shot is important as every injection takes us a step further from the threats of a contagion,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon.

The Red Cross officially started injecting Moderna vaccines against COVID19 on July 6, 2021 after it confirmed receiving its first procured batch of 800 out of a total 200,000 doses last July 3, 2021.

During the organization’s Bakuna Bus launch last week, Gordon clarified that the Moderna shots will be given at cost and that the Red Cross is not making a profit out of it.

Aside from the Moderna vaccines purchased by the Red Cross, another 5,000 doses of the same brand will be coming from the government. For this allotment, the PRC will prioritize overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and seafarers leaving the country within the next 4 months.

“We are giving our OFWs and sailors an advantage so they could safely continue working for their families, lessening the need for financial assistance,” Gordon said.

The Chairman also called labor and manpower agencies to help put together a list of eligible candidates. Forms will be sent in advance to make vaccination faster, more efficient, and less crowded in PRC Bakuna Centers. Gordon is also looking into sending vaccines to chapters in the provinces to reach more OFWs and seafarers.

As the PRC goes full blast in its vaccination efforts, Gordon also reiterated the importance of testing.

“We still need more vaccines and while we still lack supply, testing must be intensified. And even with a vaccine you can still be a carrier and infect others. Testing is still our first line of defense,” Gordon explained. (Philippine Red Cross)