By Ana Rufa Padua

The World Health Organization (WHO) has submitted its final clinical trial protocol, standard procedures, and other pertinent documents to be used in the Philippines vaccine trials, Tuesday, July 13. 

The Philippines has been waiting for the approval of solidarity trials under WHO for potential COVID-19 vaccines since September 2020. 

Solidarity trials are expected to improve research and findings on COVID-19 vaccines with its large-scale participation from individuals across different countries. 

According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Guevara, the study will be done in barangays with high numbers of COVID-19 cases to be led by the University of the Philippines-Manila.

Qualified participants will undergo initial screening of a local vaccine team or a doctor assigned at a trial site, as per the WHO protocol.

As for mixed brands of COVID-19 vaccines, Guevara said that preparations for the mixing and matching of various vaccines has started, but the implementation of the foregoing trials will be discussed in the following days.

Proposed sites for the mix and match study include Manila, Pasig City, Antipolo/Marikina, Makati City, Pasay City, Muntinlupa City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

The trials are still in the regulatory approval phase, but the funding has already been secured for the program,  P483 million will come from the government while $1.5 million will be provided by WHO.

DOST also said that the actual rollout for the WHO’s Solidarity Vaccine Trial and the Philippines’ study on mixing and matching five COVID-19 vaccines could be expected by the end of July or early August. 

On the other hand, WHO said that results for efficacies of vaccines included in the trials could be expected within three to six months.

REFERENCES:

Luci-Atienza, C. (2021, July 10). Actual rollout of WHO’s vaccine trials, PH’s study on

COVID-19 vaccine mixing, matching eyed by ‘end of July, early August.’ Manila Bulletin. mb.com.ph/2021/07/10/actual-rollout-of-whos-vaccine-trials-phs-study-on-covid-19-vaccine-mixing-matching-eyed-by-end-of-july-early-august/

PH gears for WHO solidarity vaccine trial. (2021, July 13). Philippine News Agency.

www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146922

Tomacruz, S. (2020a, September 11). WHO eyes start of PH vaccine trials by end-October.

Rappler. www.rappler.com/nation/who-eyes-start-philippines-vaccine-trials-by-end-october

Tomacruz, S. (2021b, July 14). WHO, Philippines one step closer to starting COVID-19

vaccine trials. Rappler. www.rappler.com/nation/who-philippines-one-step-closer-starting-covid-19-vaccine-trials