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Advocates Philippines
PBBM Approves Lifting Of Public Emergency Status
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has given his initial approval for the lifting of the public health emergency status in the country, according to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. During a briefing in Malacañang, Herbosa confirmed that one of the President's first instructions was to move forward and steer the nation out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While awaiting an Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) resolution from his predecessor, Herbosa expressed his willingness to follow up on the matter. He acknowledged that there were previous concerns regarding the availability of bivalent vaccines if the health emergency status were lifted. However, with the recent acquisition of a certificate of product registration (CPR) and other developments, those obstacles have been overcome.
Herbosa explained that the risks associated with COVID-19 will now be shifted to individuals, especially after the World Health Organization (WHO) removed it from the list of public health emergencies of international concern. The WHO now classifies COVID-19 as one of several diseases, and even doctors perceive it as a respiratory illness rather than a global emergency.
While the IATF has already recommended the lifting of the health emergency status, Herbosa noted that the Office of the President is still studying other factors. They aim to consider the consequences of officially lifting the status and assess the effectiveness of Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for acquiring bivalent vaccines.
The good news is that Pfizer has been granted a CPR by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), enabling the commercial availability of bivalent vaccines. However, there may be some delays as Pfizer seeks out retailers equipped with the necessary minus 7-degree freezers for storage.
Herbosa mentioned that Pfizer's distribution method for bivalent vaccines is yet to be determined. Eventually, it may involve obtaining a physician's prescription and purchasing the vaccines directly from Pfizer. However, efforts are still underway to secure two million doses from COVAX for the economically disadvantaged who cannot afford to buy the vaccines.
Regarding the monovalent vaccines that previously received EUA, Herbosa assured the public that they can still be distributed free of charge. These vaccines remain valid as booster doses, although the demand has shifted toward bivalent vaccines due to their efficacy against newer COVID-19 variants.
While awaiting an Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) resolution from his predecessor, Herbosa expressed his willingness to follow up on the matter. He acknowledged that there were previous concerns regarding the availability of bivalent vaccines if the health emergency status were lifted. However, with the recent acquisition of a certificate of product registration (CPR) and other developments, those obstacles have been overcome.
Herbosa explained that the risks associated with COVID-19 will now be shifted to individuals, especially after the World Health Organization (WHO) removed it from the list of public health emergencies of international concern. The WHO now classifies COVID-19 as one of several diseases, and even doctors perceive it as a respiratory illness rather than a global emergency.
While the IATF has already recommended the lifting of the health emergency status, Herbosa noted that the Office of the President is still studying other factors. They aim to consider the consequences of officially lifting the status and assess the effectiveness of Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for acquiring bivalent vaccines.
The good news is that Pfizer has been granted a CPR by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), enabling the commercial availability of bivalent vaccines. However, there may be some delays as Pfizer seeks out retailers equipped with the necessary minus 7-degree freezers for storage.
Herbosa mentioned that Pfizer's distribution method for bivalent vaccines is yet to be determined. Eventually, it may involve obtaining a physician's prescription and purchasing the vaccines directly from Pfizer. However, efforts are still underway to secure two million doses from COVAX for the economically disadvantaged who cannot afford to buy the vaccines.
Regarding the monovalent vaccines that previously received EUA, Herbosa assured the public that they can still be distributed free of charge. These vaccines remain valid as booster doses, although the demand has shifted toward bivalent vaccines due to their efficacy against newer COVID-19 variants.
Jul 5, 2023
