Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (File photo)
MANILA – Despite the delay, the World Health Organization (WHO) did not say that the delivery of the second batch of AstraZeneca vaccines through COVAX Facility will take until the end of May, a health official said Wednesday.
“So, [the] WHO committed, hopefully, this commitment will be fulfilled and the 12th week we’re looking at for those vaccinated with AstraZeneca is end of May and also first week of June,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online media forum.
She noted that for AstraZeneca, the schedule for the inoculation of the second dose can extend up to twelve weeks.
“And based on studies, it was mentioned, the longer the interval period between the first and the second dose for this specific vaccine mas mataas ang nagiging efficacy (the efficacy [rate] gets higher), she said.
“So, I think, this is better for us, mayroon tayong epekto na ganun (that there is an effect like that) and when we scheduled dose when these vaccines came, the government really has the objective to maximize this interval so we can get more efficacy and provide protection to our fellowmen,” she added.
Vaccine protection
Vergeire said there is no sufficient evidence stating the length of time with regard to the protection the vaccines provide against the coronavirus disease 2019.
“Mayroong pa-ilan-ilang studies na lumalabas up to three months, up to six months pero wala pa talagang sufficient evidence and wala pang binibigay talaga na rekomendasyon ang WHO (Some studies say up to three months, up to six months but there is not sufficient evidence and there’s no recommendation from WHO yet)”, she said.
“Kaya nga ang sinasabi natin (That’s why we’re saying) even though you have completed your vaccination already you would still need to comply with the minimum health protocols,” she added. (PNA)
