The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday (July 14) said all approved vaccines still provide protection against variants of concern despite their reported reduced efficacy.
FDA Director-General Eric Domingo said COVID-19 vaccines are not used for COVID-19 treatment, but as an additional protection to prevent hospitalization due to severe and critical illness.
“Nababawasan ang pagkaka-COVID ‘pag nabakunahan, pero walang 100% effective. There’s a chance na magka-COVID, pero ang gusto natin mild at hindi maospital,” Domingo said in the July 14 Laging Handa briefing.
Recent reports showed that there has been an increase of COVID-19 Delta variant cases in Indonesia, and among the infected were some who were already vaccinated.
“Although may reduced efficacy of 10% to 20% … Mayroon pa ring proteksyon na maibibigay… ‘Yung real world effectiveness niya ay maganda naman,” Domingo said.
The official added that there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove that booster shots of Western vaccines can increase the protection of those initially vaccinated with Sinovac and Sinopharm.
In the Philippines, more than three million individuals are fully vaccinated and around 10 million individuals are to receive their second dose.
Malacañang said the country continues to expand its healthcare capacity and border control measures to guard against more contagious variants entering the country. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio/AG-jlo
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