The Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) started its initial discussions on Moderna’s bivalent vaccine against the Covid-19.
“We’re just waiting so that Moderna can submit to the Food and Drugs Administration their application for their emergency use authorization (EUA),” Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
Before a Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out, it must undergo a regulatory process that includes a positive recommendation from the HTAC and EUA from the FDA to ensure its effectiveness and safety for public use.
“We have continuous coordination with them already, we have already identified our funds, where to use our funds, and how many to purchase from Moderna for these bivalent vaccines,” Vergeire said.
She added Moderna has committed to deliver their jabs as early as November or December.
Infectious disease expert, Dr. Edsel Salvaña, emphasized the importance of the availability of bivalent vaccines amid the relaxed face mask mandate nationwide.
He said this type of vaccine targets newer variants of concern, providing additional protection against Covid-19 on top of the older jabs.
As of Nov. 14, almost 73.7 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated, including more than 6.9 million senior citizens, 10 million adolescents, and 5.3 million children. – PNA
