The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public anew against individuals and institutions allegedly selling Covid-19 vaccines that claim to have been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
In an advisory, the DOH, the National Task Force against Covid-19 (NTF) and the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emphasized that the marketing and sale of any Covid-19 vaccine in the country is “currently prohibited and punishable by law”.
“The DOH, NTF, and FDA underscore that the grant of EUA to any vaccine is not equivalent to a product registration or market authorization, which means that said products may not be marketed or sold,” the advisory stated.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergiere also warned the public that since the vaccines were brought backdoor, chances are, the government may not be able to monitor those who will be vaccinated.
Further, the DOH said that the tripartrite agreements with private sector partners only authorize them to provide vaccines in accordance with the existing Covid-19 vaccination prioritization framework, therefore the public is cautioned against anyone who claims to sell or offer any Covid-vaccine.
“Lastly, the DOH, NTF, and FDA reiterate that the safety and quality of vaccines purchased unlawfully cannot be guaranteed as these may he counterfeit or have not been transported in the right temperature [cold chain].”
The DOH reminded the public that the counterfeit or spoiled vaccines may result to injury or even death.