WHO assures AstraZeneca doses by April-end

The World Health Organization (WHO) has assured the Philippines that additional AstraZeneca doses supplied by COVAX will arrive by the end of April.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified that WHO did not specify a delay until the end of May, and noted that extending the interval between first and second doses up to 12 weeks can increase efficacy.

The DOH hopes the delayed vaccines will arrive before the end of May to provide second doses to those who have already received their first jabs.