The Department of Health (DOH) said the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued to the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech will remain amid the reported death of 29 individuals injected with the vaccine in Norway.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said no changes will be made in the decision of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until there is sufficient evidence to prove that the reported deaths have been caused by the Pfizer vaccine.
According to the Norwegian Medicines Agency, all the reported fatalities were aged around 80 and older and have underlying conditions. The inoculation will push through despite the incident.
Malacaῆang also urged the public to stop making conclusions on the incident while investigation is ongoing.
“Hindi naman po ‘yan papayagang gamitin hindi lang ng Pilipinas kundi sa iba’t ibang bansa sa mundo (It will not be approved for use in the Philippines and other countries) if the benefits of the vaccine will not exceed its potential liabilities,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured. – Report from Mark Fetalco
