Children aged 12 to 15 who have comorbidities now qualify for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, the Department of Health said Tuesday
The Food and Drug Administration recently amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to include 12 to 15 year-olds. However due to short supply, the brand's rollout will be limited to those with preexisting medical conditions, the DOH said.
The Philippines received just one Pfizer vaccine shipment so far, 193,050 doses last May 10. The amended emergency use authorization clears the jab for 12 to 15 years with or without comorbidities.
Over 2.2 million more Pfizer doses are set to arrive in the Philippines by June 10, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said.
"While we welcome more vaccines that are approved for children and adolescents, due to limited vaccine supply, our vaccination strategy remains the same -- prioritize the vulnerable and adhere to our prioritization framework," Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire 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.