Palace welcomes WHO approval of Sinovac vaccine

Malacañang welcomed the World Health Organization's (WHO) approval of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, believing it will boost public confidence in vaccination.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the WHO's endorsement provides an additional layer of assurance regarding the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.

National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the WHO's inclusion of Sinovac in its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) is a "positive development" and a "major boost" for the country's vaccination program, particularly in addressing vaccine hesitancy.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that the WHO's approval allows for mutual recognition agreements, potentially speeding up recognition by other countries.

The Philippine FDA had previously granted emergency use authorization for Sinovac's CoronaVac in February, and it was utilized in the national vaccination program's launch in March.

Galvez also stated that the WHO's EUL for Sinovac could result in an increased vaccine supply in the WHO-led COVAX facility.

Around one-third, or 2,749,050 doses out of the total 8,329,500 doses, of the country's vaccine supply came from the COVAX facility.