Duque: ‘No sufficient data’ yet on how long vaccines can give protection vs COVID-19

Health Sec. Francisco Duque.
INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — There is “no sufficient data” yet to say how long COVID-19 vaccines can provide protection to inoculated individuals, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said Friday.

During the hearing of the House committee on North Luzon Quadrangle, Duque was asked about the “validity” of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines, which are currently being used in the country.

“Sa ngayon po, wala pong sufficient data dahil bago lang po itong bakuna natin,” Duque said in response.

Duque said vaccine manufacturing companies are in continuous cooperation with their research scientists to monitor the antibody protection level for each of the developed jabs.

“Not all vaccines are created equal so each one has to really monitor, consolidate the data and pursue further studies to see the antibody levels in persons who have been vaccinated by any of the seven vaccines,” he pointed out.

“We keep our ears to the ground to make sure whether there is a new report or new data to support it and when these vaccines we are now using might actually provide more lasting protection beyond six months. In general, mga (around) six months to nine months daw eh (allegedly),” the health secretary added.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said over a million Filipinos have already received their COVID-19 vaccine as of April 11.

Roque said 1,007,356 individuals already got their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while 132,288 people already got their second dose.

KGA