Russia awaits Philippines nod for Sputnik V vaccine

MANILA, Philippines — Russia is ready to supply COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines as soon as it secures an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an official of the Russian Direct Investment Fund has said.

Russian Direct Investment Fund chief executive officer Kirill Dmitriev also said the Philippines should expand its COVID-19 vaccine portfolio, noting the shortages in supply in different parts of the world.

“The Philippines should not rely on one or two vaccines. It’s very important that you have a portfolio of three or four different vaccines and to really work with several manufacturers,” Dmitriev told The Chiefs on Cignal TV’s One News on Tuesday night.

Russian Direct Investment Fund bankrolled the development of Sputnik V vaccine which, Dmitriev said, has already been granted EUA by 22 countries.

“The Philippines deserves to get a portfolio of different vaccines and Sputnik V should be one of these because it is one of the best vaccines,” he said, adding it is important for people to choose the kind of COVID-19 vaccines they will take.

Russia, he said, is ready to provide vaccines for 700 million people around the world this year.

“We are happy to start supplying to the Philippines as soon as we get an approval here,” Dmitriev said. “We will supply any volume that the Philippines need for over six to seven months.”

Meanwhile, a health social scientist believes there is a need to educate people more about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines to encourage them to get immunized.

Professor Nina Castillo-Carandang said the number of medical workers “highly likely” to get COVID-19 vaccine increased after town hall meetings were held with them.

“We have to conclude from here that more information is needed even for those who are supposed to be more familiar with health concerns such as vaccine,” Carandang also told The Chiefs.