PH to sign deal for 30M Novavax vaccine doses

The Philippines is set to sign a supply agreement for 30 million doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, with deliveries expected in the late second quarter or early third quarter of the year.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed the upcoming signing of the deal, and Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. has visited India to finalize the agreement for the Novavax vaccines manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.

The Novavax vaccine showed 96% efficacy against the original coronavirus and 86% against the British variant in UK trials, but only 50% efficacy against the South African variant.

The Philippines has also finalized a purchase order for one million doses of the CoronaVac vaccine from Sinovac Biotech, following an earlier donation of 600,000 doses from the Chinese government.

Additionally, the government has signed a supply agreement with Moderna, Inc. for 13 million doses, with details for a Johnson & Johnson deal still being finalized.

The Philippines and India are also in talks for at least 8 million doses of the Covaxin vaccine, developed by Indian firm Bharat Biotech, with potential supplies starting in late April or May.