The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) official said that the initial inspection of the doses of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine that was recently confiscated by the authorities from three people for alleged sale looks genuine and not fake.
In an interview with GMA News “Unang Balita” on Thursday, FDA Director-General Eric Domingo said the vaccines were recently brought to the FDA for testing.
“Ang tingin naman una ng ating mga ahente eh mukhang tunay na bakuna siya,” the official said.
However, the seized Sinovac Vaccines can no longer be used because their integrity is no longer guaranteed after being transported.
The officer explained based on what was seen in the video, the packaging of some of the Sinovac vaccines was opened and just placed in the cooler with ice in the back of the vehicle.
“Hindi na maaaring gamitin ‘yan… Hindi mo na kasi alam ‘yung integrity ng cold chain, ng pagha-handle niyan at ‘pag ganyang merong doubt, hindi na po natin pinapayagang gamitin sa tao ang ganyan po na mga bakuna,” explained Domingo.
Seized Sinovac vaccines look real but can’t be used – FDA
Authorities are already investigating the source of the drugs, whether they were smuggled into the country or taken from the very supply of vaccines obtained by the Philippines.
Domingo called on the public to report if they find anyone selling the COVID-19 vaccine.
National Bureau of Investigation operatives recently arrested three alleged sellers of COVID-19 vaccines-including a nurse in Manila-because only the government can take them, and it is also forbidden to sell them in the market.
President Rodrigo Duterte also warned those who sell the COVID-19 vaccine not to waste their luck.
“Again, let me reiterate to everyone: The COVID-19 vaccines given by the government are not for sale. They are given to our poor people for free. Not only to the poor but to the rich, so they opt to have vaccinations in the vaccination centers,” Duterte said.
“Huwag ninyong gawin ‘yan kasi… Nagwa-warning lang ako, huwag ninyong gawin. Kagaya ng droga, huminto kayo. So do not press your luck too far. You might regret it,” he added.
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