Philippines plans to donate COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar, African countries —DOH official

The Philippines is considering donating close to expiry COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar and African countries, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said on Tuesday.

“We’re working continually with the Department of Foreign Affairs. We are looking at countries like Myanmar…Ang nagkukulang ng vaccines ngayon mga African countries,” Cabotaje said during a press conference.

Cabotaje said the DOH has requested the regulatory departments of concerned manufacturers to extend the shelf life of the vaccines.

If the manufacturers extend it, Cabotaje said they will request the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“In terms of donating, kasi may mga..we have sufficient vaccines and some of their shelf life are nearing its expiry,” she said.

“Una, ang ginawa natin ay nag-request tayo sa mga regulatory department ng mga manufacturer kung pwedeng i-extend ‘yung shelf life. Tapos kung okay ‘yan, mag-request sa FDA para ma-approve ‘yan,” she said.

As of March 6, 2022, the DOH said a total of 69,164,769 first doses have been administered while 63,690,890 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated. There were 10,554,093 booster doses given.—LDF, GMA News