Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 21) — The Food and Drug Administration has formed a task force which aims to improve the accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines to Filipinos.
Dubbed as Task Force Edward, FDA Director General Samuel Zacate said it was named after Dr. Edward Jenner, a British physician known for his contribution to immunization. Its primary objective is “to make safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines more accessible,” which will help the government shift its focus from COVID-19 crisis management to economic recovery.
Also part of it is the creation of a “specialized unit of experts in the field to further the purpose and objectives of Task Force Edward.”
The experts will be tasked to streamline the approval and evaluation process of COVID-19 shots without compromising their efficacy and safety, the FDA said.
“With the introduction of Task Force Edward, COVID-19 vaccines that will be approved and issued with Certificates of Product Registration (CPR) will be more readily accessible to our countrymen in FDA-licensed drug establishments,” it added.
An emergency use authorization has been issued to COVID-19 vaccines being used in the country, which prohibits them from being sold in the market.
However, manufacturers may apply for a CPR to make their products commercially available, which is also expected to happen once the EUA is lifted.
The FDA said only one COVID-19 vaccine EUA holder has so far applied for a CPR, but it encourages other companies to apply and complete their requirements for the issuance of the certification.
