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MANILA: The Philippines has secured 30 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by US drug maker Novavax, authorities said on Sunday (Jan.10), as the country braces for a surge in infections after a major surge. religious event.
This is only the second vaccine agreement signed by the national government, which has faced growing criticism for its slowness in obtaining injections for the archipelago where almost half a million infections have been recorded.
It expects to get 148 million doses this year from seven companies, enough for about 70 percent of its population. But the government has warned that it will depend on global supply.
In a deal with the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine maker, the Philippines will purchase 30 million doses of the jab developed by Novavax, the government’s vaccine working group said in a statement.
READ: The Philippines seeks 148 million COVID-19 injections this year for two-thirds of the population
Pricing has not been finalized, but the vaccine will be available from the third quarter.
The Novavax vaccine is in late-stage human trials in the United States, Mexico and Britain and “is expected to be approved for use by international regulators,” according to the statement.
Previously, the Philippines signed an agreement with AstraZeneca for 2.6 million doses of its vaccine developed with the University of Oxford. The government hopes to obtain another 30 million from the company with public and private funds.
No vaccine has been approved by the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is a requirement before it can be rolled out across the nation of 110 million people.
Three drug manufacturers, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Russia’s Gamaleya, have applied for an emergency use authorization.
Duterte sparked protests last month after he revealed that members of his security team had received a vaccine made by China’s Sinopharm.
READ: Philippine President Praises Guards’ Courage In Using Unauthorized COVID-19 Vaccine: Spokesperson
Health authorities warn of an increase in infections in the coming weeks after the Christmas holidays and of a massive religious gathering on Saturday.
Several hundred thousand Catholics ignored official pleas to stay home and instead flocked to a church to get a glimpse of a centuries-old statue of Jesus Christ believed to have miraculous healing powers.
Authorities said it could be a wide-spread event and urged participants to isolate themselves.
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