600,000 Sinovac doses to arrive Feb 23

The Philippines is expecting 600,000 doses of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine to arrive on February 23.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed the arrival date, adding that 100,000 of these doses are a donation from the Chinese government to the Department of National Defense.

The Sinovac vaccine has not yet received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, which is necessary for its administration in the country.

Efficacy rates for the Sinovac vaccine have varied across different human trials, showing results of 50% in Brazil, 65% in Indonesia, and 91% in Turkey.

President Rodrigo Duterte has previously expressed a preference for a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, though the specific brand for him will be decided by his physician.

The President has also made a decision regarding whether he will receive his COVID-19 vaccine publicly or privately.