DOST eyeing study on COVID-19 vaccine mixing by June

(AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday said studies on the mixing of COVID-19 vaccines may kick off next month. 

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said the agency is still seeking the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board.

“Kukuha pa kami ng approval sa FDA at Health Research Ethics Board but we expect na makasimula siya ng start of June,” he said in an interview on ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo.

(We still have to secure DA and Health Research Ethics Board approval, but we expect to start the study by June.)

The study, to be conducted by the Philippine Society for Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, will last for 18 months and may involve around 1,200 participants, de la Peña said.

“Matagal ito kasi matagal ang pag-oobserba kung ano ang epekto. Ito ay titingnan ang mga adverse effects na maaaring mangyari,” he said, noting that an antibody test would have to be conducted to a participating individual for five times on different dates.

(This study will take a long time because of the time needed to observe the effects. We will see the adverse effects that may occur.)

De la Peña said that once approved, the mixing of two different COVID-19 vaccine brands may help ensure the provision of second doses amid the limited supply of anti-coronavirus shots.

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