DOST says minors still not included in vaccine trials

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Thursday said individuals included in the vaccine trials in the country are only those aged 18 years old and above.

In a statement, Science Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said persons aged 17 years old and below were not yet included in the trials by the Task Group on Vaccine Evaluation.

The DOST said it invited adults aged 18 to 60 years old first because their bodies are more developed compared to minors, which is a big factor for vaccine efficacy and safety.

"Tanging mga taong nasa hustong gulang na 18 taon pataas ang maaaring magbigay ng ethical at legal consent para sa kanilang sariling pagsali sa vaccine trials. Kailangan ng karagdagang permiso ng mga magulang o legal guardian para sa mga may edad 17 pababa," the DOST added.

The DOST said it is important to have acceptable efficacy and safety data from adults first before undergoing trials for minors.

"May mga ethical requirements at safety and efficacy data na dapat ma-isumite ng vaccine developers para sa pagsusuri ng vaccine experts at regulatory authorities," it said.

Among the countries currently conducting clinical trials on minors are China, United Kingdom, United States, and India.

"Mas maigi kung makakakuha muna ng paunang datos ang ating bansa sa mga pag-aaral na ito para sa kaligtasan at kaayusan ng ating programa sa pagbabakuna," the DOST said.—LDF, GMA News