The Food and Drug Administration said late Wednesday it would allow the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines for those aged 12 to 15, upon the U.S. drugmaker's request.
The emergency use authorization granted to Pfizer will be amended within the week to expand the allowable age range of recipients, FDA Director General Eric Domingo told President Rodrigo Duterte in a taped meeting of Cabinet officials.
"Early this evening, I already got the recommendations of our experts and it's very favorable," Domingo said.
The U.S. FDA earlier authorized the use of Pfizer vaccines, which offers more than 95% protection against the coronavirus, for minors ages 12 to 15. The American vaccine manufacturer said it is 100% effective in the said age group.
Anticipation over the Pfizer jabs caused long lines at vaccine sites. To cure brand preference, local government units were instructed to stop announcing vaccine brands prior to inoculation.
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