Filtered By: Topstories
News

Philippines eyeing Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine for elderly, says Galvez


The Philippines is looking to use the coronavirus vaccine developed by Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech for use on millions of senior citizens in the country, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Wednesday.

“Sa masterlist po natin ng seniors, meron po tayong 4 to 9 million. Ang nakikita po talaga natin, titingnan po natin ‘yung possibility na talagang ‘yung Sinovac,” he said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

[There are 4 to 9 million seniors on our masterlist. We’re looking into the possibility of using Sinovac for them.]

“Nakita po natin ‘yung Sinovac very limited ‘yung side effect and nakita natin wala gaanong wastage,” he added,

[We saw that Sinovac had very limited side effects and not much wastage.]

The Food and Drug Administration, however, only recommended the Sinovac jab for healthy individuals aged 18 to 59.

The Chinese drug maker is looking to conduct a clinical trial of its vaccine on elderly Filipinos.

Galvez previously said the AstraZeneca shot was being eyed for elderly healthcare workers after the Sinovac jab was not recommended for use among medical professionals.

He said the vaccination of senior citizens would start in April.

“Most likely po matatapos natin ang seniors mga May kasi ‘yung May magkakaroon tayong 8 million doses,” Galvez said.

[Most likely we’ll finish vaccinating the seniors in May because we’ll receive 8 million doses that month.]

A total of 240,297 health workers have received their first dose as of Tuesday. -NB, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT