DOH: Moderna vaccine procurement possible without local trials

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire assured that the Philippine government can still procure COVID-19 vaccines from companies like Moderna, even if they have not conducted clinical trials in the country.

The absence of local clinical trials will not hinder the government's procurement plans, provided the vaccine follows the regulatory process and its efficacy is well-documented from phases 1, 2, and 3.

The vaccine expert panel and the Food and Drug Administration's approval are key factors that would allow the government to proceed with procurement.

This assurance comes after Moderna announced that its experimental COVID-19 vaccine showed nearly 95% effectiveness.

However, Moderna is not keen on conducting clinical trials in the Philippines and intends to proceed directly with vaccine procurement.

The DOH reiterated that all potential COVID-19 vaccines entering the Philippines will undergo a strict regulatory process to ensure their efficacy and safety.