Sinovac seeks approval to use COVID-19 vaccine on those aged 3 to 17

MANILA, Philippines — China-based drugmaker Sinovac Biotech has sought authorization to use its COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac on those aged 3 to 17, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Eric Domingo said Tuesday during the briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte early Wednesday.

Domingo said the Chinese pharmaceutical firm has applied for an amendment of its emergency use authorization (EUA) to include those aged 3 to 17.

At present, Sinovac’s EUA  recommends its use on those aged 18 and above.

The country’s vaccine experts will study the data and get more information from the drug firm.

“This is another potential vaccine that can be used for the pediatric age group.  We are studying this, maybe within the month, to see if we will be able to allow the use of Sinovac in children,” Domingo said.

In June, China approved the emergency use of Sinovac’s vaccine on those aged 3 to 17.

So far, only the US-made Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can be used on children, particularly those aged 12 to 15.

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