Robredo calls for Sinovac vaccine's further assessment

Vice President Leni Robredo is calling for further assessment of Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine through the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) before distributing it, citing concerns raised by doctors.

Robredo noted that Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines have received emergency use authorization from the FDA and positive recommendations from HTAC, but Sinovac has yet to receive a positive recommendation from HTAC despite having EUA.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the UHC law did not intend for HTAC to have the same function as the FDA.