Covid-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Sinovac Biotech could now be locally used beyond six months, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This after FDA approved the amendment of both pharmaceutical firms in their respective Emergency Use Authorization of their Covid-19 jabs last month.
FDA Director General Enrique “Eric” D. Domingo said Pfizer was able to submit scientific proof that its vaccine will remain effective after 9 months.
Meanwhile, Sinovac was able to ensure that its vaccines can still be used even after 12 months.
“All of their manufactured [Covid-19] vaccines products would be covered by the extension,” Domingo said in an interview with PTV last Monday.
He noted prior to the amended EUAs, the Covid-19 vaccine jabs of Pfizer and Sinovac were only given a shelf life of 6 months since both were still fairly new in the market when these were used.
Domingo said the Covid-19 vaccine brands being used in the country could also be given an extended shelf life if they will also be able to show needed scientific data.
“They need to show evidence that with the extended shelf life their vaccine will still be useful, safe, and of good quality,” Domingo said.
