PH eyes donation of Sputnik, Moderna vaccines to Southeast Asian, African countries

A vial of the Moderna coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may donate Sputnik and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to Southeast Asian and African countries, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said the government is looking to donate near-expiry vaccines, particularly Sputnik vaccines that have a short shelf-life and doses of Moderna that will expire in two months.

“Sa dami ng ating bakuna at may kaunting preference din ‘yung mga tao, baka ituloy natin [ang pagdonate]. We’re looking at Sputnik and also possible Moderna doses,” she said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

(With our abundant supply of vaccines and the slight preference for vaccine brands. We may push through with the donation. We’re looking at donating Sputnik and possible Moderna doses.)

She clarified that the Philippines have an abundant supply of Moderna vaccines and other vaccine brands and only those that are expiring in two months.

“Marami pa naman tayong stock na hindi pa aabutin ng dalawang buwan na expiry so ‘yun ang iiwan natin sa atin,” Cabotaje said.

(We have abundant stock that will not yet expire in two months. We will leave those doses with us.)

Among those countries seen to receive the Philippine vaccine donations are Myanmar and some African countries.

EDV