By Ryan Louis Mantilla 

Over 31 million COVID-19 vaccine shots were wasted, with 24 million expiring due to their short shelf life, the Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. 
 
The COVID-19 shots that were not used cost P15.6 billion.
 
She explained that the remaining 7 million shots were squandered due to temperature excursions, while other vials were opened but not used.
 
According to DOH data, 73.6 million Filipinos were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of November 17, while 20.8 million have received booster shots. 
 
During Senate plenary budget discussions, Senator Pia Cayetano confirmed that wasted COVID-19 vaccines accounted for only 12% of the government's 250 million doses received and procured shots.
 
Meanwhile, Vergeire restated that the DOH would hold a special 2-day COVID-19 vaccination initiative in December.
 
The vaccination drive, dubbed "Bakunahang Bayan II," will take place from December 5 to 7, aiming to target the child population.
 
Health Usec. Nestor Santiago mentioned that they aim to give the first booster shots to children ages 5 to 11.