MANILA – Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines manufactured by United States drug makers Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson&Johnson might be available for procurement in early 2021.
According to Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez, since the demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is “really high,” the manufacturers will supply the vaccine in tranches.
“Sa tingin ko by early next year to first quarter, magkakaroon na tayo, by tranches ‘yan,” Romualdez said during Malacañang’s virtual press briefing.
“Alam naman natin na maraming countries were affected by this virus so the demand is really high at least for the first tranche of this supply,” he added. “Wala silang hinihingi na down payment. Kailangan lang ng kontrata, purchase order lang.”
Pfizer announced Monday that its candidate vaccine was 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in the ongoing Phase 3 trials.
“Meron na tayong contact sa mga pharmaceutical companies dito. We’ve been talking to them since three to four months ago,” Romualdez said. “Pfizer ang unang-unang lumapit sa atin. Right now sila ang nauuuna sa Amerika.”
“Ang maganda hindi naman ito ibebenta nang mahal. Alam nilang we’re a simple country. It will be sold to their allies, probably around $5 per shot,” the Philippine envoy to US added./PN
