Domingo: Preliminary studies abroad show increased immunity when mixing, matching vaccines

Initial studies showed that there is an increase in immunity against coronavirus disease in mixing and matching of COVID-19 jabs, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo on Wednesday said.

In his , President Rodrigo Duterte asked Domingo if there is risk of toxicity in mixing and matching vaccines.

But Domingo said preliminary studies are looking into protection of mixing and matching of vaccines.

"Preliminary studies in other countries are very encouraging mukhang tumataas yung effect, immunity saka ng reaction ng pasyente," Domingo said.

Domingo cited that studies are looking into Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines matching  with doses of mRNA vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer.

EUA issued for donated vaccines from US, Japan

Meanwhile, FDA also issued emergency use authorization  (EUA) to the Department of Health for possible donations of Johnson & Johnson vaccines from the United States.

Domingo also revealed that FDA issued EUA to DOH for the donated AstraZeneca COVID-19 jabs from Japan.

The embassy of Japan previously said it would send 1 million shots of British-Swedish made AstraZeneca vaccines.

Sinovac use for kids

FDA is also evaluating the China firm Sinovac's application in revision of emergency use authorization (EUA) which includes inoculation of children aged 3 to 17 years old, said Domingo.

"Ito inaaral natin, siguro within the month will see  if we will allow the use Sinovac in children," said Domingo.

Domingo said Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute also applied for an amendment in its EUA, which asked to change the maximum interval period to 42 days from the 21 days. —NB, GMA News