Private sector eyeing 10-M Covid jabs

A health expert said earlier this week that the private sector was also aiming to purchase at least 10 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccinations.

During the Laging Handa press briefing last Friday, Vaccine Expert Panel chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani said that the private sector would conduct a survey to determine who and how many people would receive the bivalent Covid-19 vaccines.

"We want to avoid wasting vaccines once more; thus Mr. Joey Concepcion's Go Negosyo is trying to purchase at least 10 million doses, but they are still determining who would receive the shot," said Gloriani in Filipino.

No EUA application for bivalent vaccines vs. new variants of Covid-19 yet

Meanwhile, Gloriani said the Food and Drug Administration has not yet received a request for the bivalent vaccine's emergency use authorization.

"It takes at least a month or so for the evaluation to be evaluated, and of course, the procurement shipping process would take a little longer," Gloriani said.

"We don't know maybe as we speak it has been applied for now but as of last week there is no application for bivalent vaccine," Gloriani added.

The VEP chief stated that the vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, people with comorbid conditions, and healthcare staff, will be given the bivalent vaccine first.

Additionally, she stated that immunizations must be targeted to reduce waste.

Gloriani stated that they are also examining booster vaccinations for kids between the ages of 5 and 11.

After that, the VEP chief urged the public to receive the accessible Covid-19 booster shot.

"Since we are unsure of its arrival date, we do not need to wait for the bivalent vaccine," Gloriani said.