The Department of Health (DOH) is open to the possibility of using Sinovac Biotech vaccine to children and adolescents in a statement on Monday.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, government medical experts will study the use of CoronaVac for the youth once the Chinese drugmaker submits an amendment to its emergency use authorization.
“If they have complete evidence, have finished their trial and they submit a revision in their EUA in the country, our experts will study it,” Vergeire said.
She also added that the Philippines will definitely be open if it is proven safe for children to use.
Last June 4, China approved the emergency use of Sinovac Biotech’s (SVA.O) COVID-19 vaccine for people ages three to 17 as noted by Chairman Yin Weidong. However, it has not yet been offered to younger groups in China as it depends on their health authorities formulating the local inoculation strategies.
In the Philippines, the EUA allowed the Sinovac jab for clinically healthy Filipinos aged 18 to 59 years old starting February. In April, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended the approval to senior citizens as they are most at risk of the COVID-19 infection.
For Sinovac to cover a wider age range in the county would not be a simple task as according to Dr. Edsel Salvana, a member of the government’s Technical Advisory Group, the Chinese drug manufacturer would still have to apply for the use of it in the Philippines.
Moreover, the FDA has just amended the EUA for Pfizer for 12 to 15 years old as the original issue was only for those 16 years old and above, making it possible for other vaccines to expand their age range once permitted.
“Children are as vulnerable [to COVID] as adults. There are already reports in other countries with increasing cases [among] children, that’s why the approval of Pfizer was also fast-tracked for this age group, especially in the United States and Europe,” said Dr. Rontgene Solane, a member of the Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP).
Since the Philippines began its immunization efforts in March, only 1.5 million people have been fully vaccinated. In the meantime, 4.4 million have received their first dose.
On Monday, the government will start vaccinating front-line workers or the identified A4 priority group of essential sectors, estimated at 35.5 million people.
Photo Source: sinovac.com