Pfizer vaccine now approved for individuals aged 12 and above, according to DOH.
On Tuesday, the Department of Health (DOH) said that the Pfizer vaccine was currently approved for emergency use on individuals aged 12 and above.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the Philippines had expanded its emergency use authorization (EUA) of the said vaccine to cover individuals aged 12 and above.
Vergeire confirmed to GMA News Online that the said vaccine was “now indicated for [use on] 12 years old and above”.
According to Vergeire, the vaccine experts’ general consensus was to revisit pediatric and adolescent vaccination once COVID-19 vaccine supply had stabilized.
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“While we welcome more vaccines that are approved for children and adolescents, due to limited vaccine supply, our vaccination strategy remains the same — prioritize the vulnerable and adhere to our prioritization framework. The general consensus of our vaccine experts is to revisit pediatric and adolescent vaccination once our vaccine supply has stabilized,” Vergeire said.
Vergeire’s statement came as the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the emergency use of the said vaccine for ages 12-15.
A copy of the Pfizer EUA on the FDA website indicated that the amendment to include people aged 12-15 was issued last May 28. Initially, the said vaccine was only approved for emergency use on individuals aged 16 and above.
FDA Director-General Eric Domingo previously said that experts gave “very favorable” recommendations on the use of the said vaccine on minors.
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