The government procured an initial 15 million doses of “reformulated” Pfizer novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine for those in the 5 to 11 years old.
During the public address of President Rodrigo R. Duterte last Monday, National Task Force for Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. disclosed they already ordered the said batch from Pfizer.
“This may be available by the end of Jan.,” Galvez said.
He said they are planning to purchase another 10 million doses of the said Pfizer vaccine.
Currently, only Pfizer was able to secure an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its “reformulated” Covid-19 vaccine, which can be used for those in the 5 to 11 age group.
Galvez said they are urging other vaccine manufacturers to also apply for a similar EUA from FDA so their vaccines can also be used by those in the said age group.
He said this will allow the government to procure additional vaccines for those aged below 12 years old especially since they are also planning to give them booster shots this year.
The vaccine czar said they are targeting to vaccinate 15.56 million children, who are 5 to 11 years old by June.