The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Emergency Use Authorization application of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer-BionNTech.
The Pfizer vaccine is the first one to be granted emergency approval in the Philippines.
FDA Chief Eric Domingo said what used to be a six month process for getting approval, the EUA for Pfizer was shortened to 21 days.
“The FDA is now granting an emergency use authorization to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine,” Domingo said.
The vaccine showed 95% efficacy in all its trials while 92% on all racial groups.
Domingo said that close surveillance and monitoring are needed for more adverse effects.
Domingo added that vaccinations may be done only by health professionals and they should be ready to manage for any possible adverse reactions.
The vaccine should only be given to individuals 16 years and above.
“It is reasonable to believe that Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine is effective to prevent COVID-19. The known benefits of the vaccine outweigh the adverse effects of the vaccine,” Domingo added.
