Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 12) — American vaccine maker Pfizer-BioNTech can file an application to revise its existing emergency use authorization (EUA) so its COVID-19 vaccine can also be used on young Filipinos, an official said on Wednesday.
The US Food and Drug Administration recently expanded the emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s vaccine to include children 12 to 15 years old.
The vaccine manufacturer can take the same track in the Philippines, according to Vaccine Expert Panel head Dr. Nina Gloriani.
“Hintayin na lang po natin na mag-apply sila ng EUA sa atin, actually this is an amendment to the EUA that we already have. We actually look forward to that kasi maaaddress nya ang pagbabakuna sa isang age group na hindi makakaya with the other vaccines,” she said in a media briefing.
[Translation: Let’s wait for them to apply, actually it will be an amendment to the EUA given to them. We look forward to that so it can address the gap in vaccination since we cannot vaccinate some age groups with the other brands.]
Pending expansion, Pfizer is allowed for use in the Philippines for people ages 16 and older. All the other vaccines currently available in the country are for those 18 years old and above.
Gloriani said aside from Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen are also doing a study on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy among the younger population.
