The Task Force (TF) Vax to Normal created by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte to manage the city’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine program will prioritize the healthcare workers, indigent families, and senior citizens once the vaccines become available.

Task force co-chairman Joseph Juico said this is in line with the guideline set by the national government and the World Health Organization (WHO).

“The task force formed by the mayor is to address the vaccine program and help support the national government in terms of preparing ourselves, the city, to address logistical requirements we need in terms of distribution, putting up of vaccine centers and also organizing the health sector,” Juico told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday.

He said the city health department and health workers will administer the vaccine to the Quezon City residents.

With several vaccines showing enormous potential against the Covid-19, Belmonte said the city government will direct the task force to ensure the expeditious and orderly acquisition and distribution of the vaccine.

Belmonte signed Executive Order No. 44 on Wednesday forming the Task Force ‘Vax to Normal”: The Quezon City Covid-19 Vaccine Plan composed of heads of various offices of the city government and representatives from private stakeholders as members.

“We are organizing early to ensure that the directions set by the national government will be followed and that those who need the virus most are prioritized,” Belmonte said.

Aside from reviewing and finalizing the database of those on the priority list, the task force will also be in charge of selecting and acquiring the vaccine or vaccines authorized for use in the Philippines in coordination with the national government.

It is also authorized to secure direct supplies from the national government and will study the possibility of direct procurement under applicable laws, subject to the guidelines and approval of the national government.

The task force is also responsible for the development and administration of a system for registering beneficiaries, tracking the distribution of doses, and monitoring any adverse events following immunization.

The task force will also select vaccination centers, storage areas for vaccines, transportation, mobilization, funding, and proper information dissemination. (PNA)