VP Robredo stresses Sinovac vaccine needs proper approval

Vice President Leni Robredo emphasized that the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine must undergo the proper approval process, including a positive recommendation from the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC), before its distribution.

Robredo clarified that her concern is not the origin of the vaccine, but the fact that it has not yet gone through all the necessary steps in the Philippines.

The HTAC is responsible for assessing vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and providing recommendations to the Department of Health (DOH) on their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.

She stated that vaccines should follow the guidelines of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NITAG) and the DOH before being distributed by local government units (LGUs).

Robredo highlighted the importance of this process, citing the Universal Health Care Law, to protect public health.