By Alec Go
The National Task Force Against COVID-19 on Wednesday (June 30) assured that approved COVID-19 vaccines in the country were thoroughly reviewed by top vaccine experts, following calls to use jabs with “high efficacy.”
“All the vaccines in our country’s supply portfolio underwent a rigorous review by the Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP), which is composed of the country’s top doctors and vaccine specialists,” NTF chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement.
“We listen and follow the panel’s assessment on what vaccines to procure to ensure that they are all safe and effective regardless of brands,” Galvez added, noting that those with approval “are performing well in the real-world conditions.”
The NTF cited VEP data showing CoronaVac’s 90% efficacy in preventing intensive care admissions and deaths in Uruguay, and its 94% protection given to health care workers in Indonesia.
“This shows that Sinovac is performing well and at par with Western-made vaccine brands. In addition, the China-made vaccine is being used in more than 28 countries around the world,” Galvez said.
Earlier this week, several media reports stated that Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon urged Galvez to buy the “most effective” vaccines amid the threat of variants, and as the country gains access to other vaccines abroad despite their cost.
The vaccine czar said all policies are science and evidence-based, but expressed openness in considering experts’ advice “and not from people who do not want to listen to more prudent and deliberate decision-making.”
Local infectious diseases experts have repeatedly assured that all approved vaccines in the country are effective in preventing severe and fatal COVID-19.
Read more: Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine effective vs. severe symptoms – experts
The World Health Organization (WHO) has already validated earlier this month China’s CoronaVac for emergency use. The vaccine is the first to be used in the country under its portfolio, along with Oxford AstraZeneca’s vaccine.
The country is expecting to receive 40 million to 55 million doses from June to September from Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, and donations from COVAX Facility, United States, and Japan.
Below is the breakdown of vaccines the Philippines has received since February 2021 and the number of doses expected from June to August.
-rir
