The Department of Health (DOH) goals to have bivalent vaccines obtainable by the primary quarter of 2023.
The DOH stated that they’re already coordinating with the suppliers for the second-generation COVID-19 vaccines, or bivalent vaccines, that defend people from the Omicron variant.
“As for the DOH, we are already coordinating with suppliers for the procurement of bivalent vaccines. We are targeting to have vaccines available by Q1 of 2023. We are also coordinating with potential donors of COVID-19 bivalent vaccines,” the division stated on Saturday.
The DOH, in the meantime, stated that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals keep up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination by finishing the first sequence and a booster dose.
“It is also important to note that bivalent mRNA vaccines are not authorized or approved at this time for primary series doses,” it added.
DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier stated they have been nonetheless within the strategy of negotiating with vaccine producers Moderna and Pfizer relating to the procurement of the bivalent vaccines.
Vergeire additionally stated that Moderna had already submitted their full file or vaccine paperwork to the Food and Drug Administration.
A complete of three,691,412 eligible Filipinos acquired second boosters as of December 12, in line with authorities information.
The DOH stated it has supplied second boosters to 603,905 people within the A1 inhabitants or amongst healthcare staff. Out of the 1,196,107 healthcare staff, 592,202 are due for second booster doses.
“[The] DOH reiterates that vaccination is not mandatory and that consent must always be asked. Current evidence only shows that 2nd boosters are only recommended for A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (senior citizens), A3 (persons with comorbidities) aged 18 and above,” it added. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
