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Pfizer-BioNTech was said to have won a contract with the Philippines for the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. It was reported that the country just signed a deal with the American multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company for 40 million doses of the vaccines.
The Philippines and Pfizer deal for coronavirus shots
As per Reuters, this is so far the biggest order of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from the Philippines. Secretary Carlito Galvez, the National Task Force chief against coronavirus, announced the deal with Pfizer on Sunday, June 20, and revealed that deliveries could be expected to begin in August.
In addition to this new order from Pfizer-BioNTech, the Philippines has now secured the delivery of 113 million doses of vaccine from five suppliers that include China's Sinovac (26 million doses), Moderna (20 million), Russia's Sputnik V (10 million) and AstraZeneca (17 million).
The vaccine supply in Manila is still limited and in some provinces, the government recorded a surge in COVID-19 cases, which complicates efforts to work up on the immunization drive. But with the upcoming Pfizer supply, officials are hoping that it will reach more people and eventually lessen the cases.
“We are very happy to report that the government and the management of Pfizer have finally concluded our negotiations, Philippine News Agency quoted Galvez as saying. “Health Secretary Francisco Duque and I signed yesterday (Saturday, June 19) the supply agreement for the biggest and most decisive deal we had for 2021.”
More vaccine jabs for the Filipinos
Galvez added that 20 million Filipinos will benefit from this Pfizer COVID-19 supply deal. The Philippines is not just waiting for deliveries from the American biotech company, but it is also expecting deliveries from the COVAX facility. In addition, a total of 16 million doses are coming from Jonhson & Johnson and Novavax as well.
Meanwhile, the Philippines will be allowing the administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to youngsters ages 12 to 15. Their inoculation may begin later this year once the vaccine inventory expands and the priority group’s vaccinations are completed.
