Many Filipinos may only get access to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine on 2022, according to vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez.

In a report by ANC’s Matters of Fact, he said this is because the government will prioritize

health-care workers, essential workers, policemen, soldiers, and other vulnerable groups, especially as the supply of the vaccine doses may be initially limited.

“Maybe, during 2022, when we have enough supply for the vaccine, we might allow the commercialization of the vaccine. But for 2021, even [the] World Health Organization (WHO) and also the vaccine makers, they will not indulge on commercial involvement of the private sector,” he said in an interview with ANC.

The Philippine government is said to be already negotiating with China’s Sinovac, Johnson & Johnson’s pharmaceutical arm Janssen and US drug maker Pfizer, among others, for possible vaccine supply deal. Galvez said they estimate to get 10 to 0 million doses from each of the vaccine markers.

The vaccine czar added that they will prioritize cities that are badly-hit by the pandemic, including Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao to be prioritized.