Philippines waits for FDA approval before accepting China's donated vaccines

The Philippines will wait for an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before accepting 500,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines donated by China.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire stated that all vaccines, whether donated or procured, should have EUA approval.

Despite this stance, FDA Director General Eric Domingo said the donation is unrelated to the issuance of an EUA and that the Department of Health can still accept the donation under a provision in the Bayanihan Act.

Sinovac, the Chinese manufacturer, has already applied for an EUA for its COVID-19 vaccine.