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(PNA archive photo)
MANILA – The delivery of the 50,000 doses of Russian-made Sputnik V vaccines, supposed to take place this month, is postponed to a later date, the secretary general of the national working group (NTF) against Covid-19 and Tsar announced on Wednesday vaccines, Carlito Galvez Jr..
Galvez said the NTF vaccine group received an official letter from the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on June 20, informing the government that the delivery of component II of Sputnik V would be postponed to another date because it There is a jab upgrade in progress.
“RDIF is committed to informing the Philippine government of the final vaccine delivery date,” he said in a statement.
Galvez noted that the 50,000 doses are dedicated to those who received Component I earlier this month.
“We have already informed all local government units that administered the first dose of Sputnik V to their constituents that the schedule for the second injection will also be pushed back and will be rescheduled,” he said.
However, he assured that “the unforeseen delay in delivery will in no way compromise the effectiveness of the vaccines”.
Galvez said the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) recommends that “people aged 18 and over can receive two doses of the vaccine at least 21 days apart.”
According to global data from the Gamaleya Research Institute, the Sputnik V jab has an effectiveness rate of 79.4% on the 28th day, after administration of component I.
The same level of protection is guaranteed if the second photo is taken later than expected.
“Please understand that the same principle is currently applied for those who have missed their second dose due to illness or other medical conditions. In any case, we would like to stress once again that it is imperative to take both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, “said Galvez
Sputnik V is a type of viral vector vaccine, the same technology used by other brands of vaccines requiring longer intervals between two injections.
Galvez said the Gamaleya Institute, through RDIF, told the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it aims to “change the interval between the two doses of Sputnik V by 21 days. minimum 90 days “.
The FDA is also reviewing the proposal as well as the supporting report submitted by the Gamaleya Research Institute, he added, “so that they can determine and recommend the appropriate interval period.”
“We kindly ask you to understand that this development is beyond the control of the Philippine government. The manufacturer is looking for other ways to improve and upgrade the vaccine that would be more beneficial and would be more effective in combating the emergence of new variants, â€said Galvez. mentionned.
“We will inform the general public of the next delivery of Sputnik V vaccines as soon as the final delivery dates have already been confirmed by the manufacturer,” he added.
The last delivery was 100,000 doses on June 11, bringing the total number of Sputnik V vaccines in the country to 180,000 doses. (ANP)
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