If there would be no problem, it is possible to get the vaccine against COVID-19 in the first quarter or 3 months of 2021, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to FDA Director-General Eric Domingo, once the clinical trial of vaccines in the Philippines begins, which is believed to be launched before the end of the year, it can last for 3 to 6 months.
Apart from the 3 manufacturers already in talks with the government, 2 new manufacturers have announced their intention to conduct a clinical trial here in the Philippines.
For now, the companies are just waiting for the clearance from the ethics board and the submission of Sinovac documents to the FDA for a clinical trial.
Sinovac is also used in clinical trials in the United Arab Emirates, where among the volunteers are Filipinos.
“That’s the best-case scenario, first quarter next year that there’s a vaccine that’s registered not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well,” said Domingo.
A World Health Organization (WHO) solidarity trial and independent trials of vaccines planned to be conducted.
FDA: COVID-19 vaccine possible by 1st quarter of 2021
“Primary target would be those who have never had COVID before,” said Domingo.
“Each and every study would have its own parameter. Mayroon gagawin sa younger and older kasi gusto nating makita ‘yong effect for each and every subgroup of patients,” Domingo explained.
Participants will be selected from areas with high COVID-19 cases because they are more likely to be exposed and get the disease.
After President Duterte’s earlier statement that the country no longer has money, he said that he had found money for the vaccine on Wednesday night.
“Kung ngayong taon lalabas ang bakuna, uutangin natin ang pambili. Kung next year, galing sa national budget,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.
The president’s priority is to vaccinate the poor, soldiers, and police. This is even when WHO has made a recommendation on who should be vaccinated.
“WHO is always recommendatory. They can’t impose on sovereign countries,” said Domingo.
“DOH is already making guidelines para sa prioritization,” he added.