Duterte prefers Sinopharm vaccine but awaits FDA approval

President Rodrigo Duterte prefers the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine but has been advised to wait for its emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed Duterte's preference for Sinopharm, noting that while the President is eager to receive it, its lack of regulatory approval is the reason advisors are hesitant.

The FDA has so far authorized the emergency use of vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac.

Despite the lack of EUA for Sinopharm, the FDA recently granted the Presidential Security Group (PSG) a permit for the compassionate use of 10,000 doses, and some Sinopharm vaccines have reportedly been administered to government officials and uniformed personnel.

Duterte had previously expressed willingness to be vaccinated publicly to boost vaccine confidence, but the Sinovac vaccine, authorized earlier, was recommended only for those aged 18 to 59, excluding senior citizens.