March 29, 2024

No Covid-19 vaccine manufacturer has applied for emergency use authorization (EUA) for safe administration of their jabs to children ages five to 11 years old, a health official said.

“Ang sabi po ng  Food and Drug Administration, they are expecting submission already from Pfizer kasi dun sa U.S. FDA naaprubahan na siya ,” Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Vergeire noted that vaccine manufacturers usually submit EUA application to different countries once they have secured one from the U.S. FDA.

“We’ll wait for their application, then the evaluation, and the issuance of EUA from the FDA,” she said.

To date, only children aged 12 to 17 years old are included the government’s vaccination program where they are given Pfizer and Moderna jabs.

Pfizer has applied for an EUA of its vaccine to be used as booster shot or third dose for the healthcare workers and persons with comorbidities.

AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Gamaleya Research Institute have also applied for the same EUA.

Vergeire said the FDA and the vaccine experts panel are completing the documents for the evaluation.

“We’re just waiting for the complete Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization recommendation, which is the last piece of evidence we need, so, we can give appropriate recommendations,” she added. – PNA