Watsons vaccinations top 85,000 as demand for access grows
Retailer Watsons has reached a milestone of 85,000 vaccinations administered through its store network in the Philippines. The company is leveraging its physical footprint to provide convenient access to preventive healthcare, particularly for flu and other respiratory vaccines.
Why it matters
It demonstrates the shift toward retail-based healthcare services as a strategy to overcome barriers to public health access.
The health and beauty retailer is bringing vaccination services closer to consumers through more than 300 stores nationwide, many located in SM Malls. Of these locations, 22 vaccination hubs provide daily services, giving customers more flexibility in choosing when to get vaccinated.
Access can be a significant practical barrier to preventive healthcare. Work, school, family responsibilities and errands can lead people to postpone vaccination, particularly when receiving a vaccine requires a separate visit to a healthcare facility.
Watsons is positioning its retail network as an alternative access point, allowing consumers to incorporate vaccination into trips they already make for shopping and other activities.
The company operates more than 1,200 stores in the Philippines as of January 2026, giving it a broad physical footprint for expanding health services.
Flu vaccines are currently the most in-demand vaccines offered through Watsons. HPV vaccines rank second, followed by vaccines for pneumonia, shingles and pertussis.
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