PH secures 25 million Sinovac doses, first 50,000 available in February

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 11) — The Philippines is set to receive 25 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from Chinese firm Sinovac this year, with the first 50,000 doses available as early as February.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the announcement on Monday, citing the Department of Health.

"Ayon sa DOH, magkakaroon na tayo ng unang 25 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Sinovac, darating ito sa susunod na buwan," he said.

[Translation: According to the DOH, we will have 25 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Sinovac, and we will receive them as early as next month.]

"Ang paunang darating po ay 50,000 doses lang ng vaccine galing sa Sinovac, pero at least, magsisimula pa rin po tayo," Roque added.

[Translation: The first batch of vaccine from Sinovac will come in 50,000 doses, but at least, we are starting.]

Apart from the 50,000, there are 15,000 doses also being used for the Chinese firm's clinical trial in the country. Another 950,000 doses will be provided by March, one million each for April and May, two million in June, until 25 million doses are secured by yearend.

The government was earlier criticized for the alleged inoculation of COVID-19 vaccines on President Rodrigo Duterte's security group, even as the country has yet to approve any COVID-19 vaccine for rollout. These came amid already ongoing criticisms of the government's preference for China-made vaccines.

READ: AFP: PSG members got vaccinated first to 'protect' Duterte from COVID-19 

"There's nothing spectacular about Sinovac, other than it's proven safe and efficient," Roque noted, citing clinical trials already conducted in some countries like Turkey, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, 30 million doses of vaccine from Covovax had also been secured by the country, as announced by the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer. It partnered with US-based biotechnology firm Novavax in the development and commercialization of the vaccine.

The doses will be available to the Philippines beginning the third quarter of 2021. The cost of the vaccine is expected to be finalized soon, added the SII, also noting its reputation of providing "effective, safe and affordable" vaccines worldwide for decades.

READ: PH signs deal for 30M doses of Covovax — Serum Institute of India