By Teddy Cambosa

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Philippines is reiterating its stand on the use of unauthorized COVID-19 vaccines, as there has been no official ruling as to what vaccines can be used in the country.

“As of date the FDA has not issued any Emergency Use Authorization to any vaccine for COVID-19. Without the proper authorization, there is no guarantee on the safety, quality and efficacy of said vaccine as the same has not undergone the required technical evaluation by the FDA,” Director General Eric Domingo stated.

Furthermore, FDA states that manufacturing, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertisement, or sponsorship of any unauthorized vaccine is prohibited.

“Rest assured that the FDA is observing utmost diligence in the regulation of vaccines. Vaccines will only be approved if there is reasonable scientific evidence to show that benefit outweighs risk.” Domingo said. “We will concentrate on making sure that only vaccines that pass standards will be made available to the public,” he added.

Teddy Cambosa is a graduating BS Biology student and a former campus journalist at Batangas State University. He is also currently writing for MARKETECH APAC, a small APAC-focused marketing news site.