GUIDE: Here's how small businesses can import COVID-19 vaccines
While most big businesses in the country have already secured their supply of COVID-19 vaccines for their workforce, small businesses, which account for over 90% of businesses in the Philippines, have been initially left to fend for themselves.
With Malacañang now allowing private companies to procure their own vaccines, two vaccines are now available for small entities: Covaxin and Covovax, The Indian-made Covaxin by Bharat Biotech has an 81% efficacy rate, while the Covovax by US company Novavax has an efficacy rate of 89.3%.
Here’s what Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) can do to start securing their own jabs.
Go Negosyo - Covaxin and Covovax
Headed by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion, Go Negosyo has offered up services to ease the process of vaccines for the private sector through the project called A Dose Of Hope.
After securing 17 million doses of the British-made AstraZeneca vaccine earlier this year, they’re now setting sights on providing for smaller businesses.
Go Negosyo has partnered with Ambica International Corporation and United Laboratories, Inc. (Unilab) to handle the procurement of Covaxin and Covovax, respectively.
MSMEs also need not worry about the tripartite agreement, as Go Negosyo shared they only need to provide the necessary requirements such as a letter of intent, a non-disclosure agreement, and term sheet, among others.
Over 1,000 companies have already approached Go Negosyo, with the arrival projected by May. A first-come, first-serve basis will be followed.
The Minimum Order Quotient (MOQ) for Novovax is 200 doses (good for 100 pax) and Covaxine offers 320 doses (good for 160 pax). Companies that have fewer employees than that can choose to pool together to pay for the required MOQ.
Companies that want to join and inquire can contact Go Negosyo through their Facebook page or through the following point persons:
Eva Pasagui – 0918 965 6333 | [email protected]
Coleen Pabua – 0915 499 6570
Go Negosyo email – [email protected]
Unilab - Covovax
Businesses can also directly inquire with Unilab to start the process of pre-order and procurement for the U.S.-made Covovax vaccine. Here's the step-by-step process:
STEP 1: Get in touch with Unilab either via Facebook or their contact numbers.
STEP 2: Fill-up the Offer Sheet and Term Sheet that Unilab gives to interested businesses. The Term Sheet sheet is where businesses will indicate the number of doses a business wants to order for its employees (and dependents). As soon as Unilab receives the signed Term Sheet, they will include the pre-order in their order plan.
STEP 3: Account Accreditation
STEP 4: Purchase Agreement
STEP 5: Delivery
Like Go Negosyo, Unilab's Covovax MOQ is 200 doses for 100 pax.
Unilab doesn't have a maximum order quantity provided that A.) it will be given to the company’s employees and/or their dependents. B) it will be given for free OR if not free "it should be given at cost."
Ambitech - Covaxin
For those interested in the Indian-made Covaxin, Ambitech Pharmaceuticals under Ambica International Corporation is available for contacting through Facebook and email at [email protected].
Photos from Unsplash