Watsons vaccinations top 85,000 as demand for access grows

Insider Spotlight

• More than 85,000 patients have received vaccinations through Watsons
• Vaccination services are available in more than 300 Watsons stores nationwide
• Flu vaccines are the most in-demand, followed by HPV, pneumonia, shingles and pertussis vaccines
  
  
  
  

More than 85,000 patients have received vaccinations through Watsons, underscoring growing demand among Filipinos for preventive healthcare that can fit more easily into their daily routines.

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.

Alternative access point

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.

Respiratory health

Flu vaccines are currently the most in-demand vaccines offered through Watsons. HPV vaccines rank second, followed by vaccines for pneumonia, shingles and pertussis.

The demand comes as the rainy season puts renewed attention on respiratory health. While flu remains a year-round concern, Watsons is using its store network to make vaccination easier to access during a period when consumers may be more conscious of respiratory illnesses.

Preventive care

 Danilo S. Chiong 

Managing director, Watsons

“We understand that with busy schedules, preventive care can sometimes be put off, so we continue to make vaccination services more accessible through our stores,” Watsons managing director Danilo S. Chiong said in a press statement.

“With flu vaccines among the most in-demand vaccines, and as the rainy season continues, we hope to give more Filipinos the flexibility to get vaccinated as part of their everyday routines and take an important step toward protecting themselves and their loved ones,” Chiong said.

The big picture

The 85,000-patient milestone points to an emerging role for retail locations in making preventive healthcare more convenient. For Watsons, its nationwide store footprint provides an opportunity to integrate health services into consumers’ regular routines rather than requiring a separate healthcare trip. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma