The Philippines has secured 30 million doses of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by US drug maker Novavax, officials said Sunday, as the country braces for a surge in infections after a huge religious event.
This is only the second vaccine deal signed by the national government, which has faced growing criticism for its slowness in procuring jabs for the archipelago where nearly half a million infections have been recorded.
It hopes to secure 148 million doses this year from seven companies — enough for around 70 percent of its population. But the government has warned it will depend on global supply.
In an agreement with the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine maker, the Philippines will buy 30 million doses of the jab developed by Novavax, the government’s vaccine task force said in a statement.
The price has not been finalised but the vaccine will be available from the third quarter.
The Novavax vaccine is in late-stage human trials in the…
Source: Guardian Newspaper
