CEBU, Philippines — Those who received Gamaleya-Sputnik V for the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine are assured of a second dose even six months after their first vaccination, the national government said as it works to procure the vaccine’s Component 2 soonest.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the application of the manufacturer for revision on the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Gamaleya Sputnik V, extending to 42 days the interval of Component 1 (first dose) and Component 2 (second dose).
The DOH All-Expert Group (AEG) has recommended for affected vaccine recipients to wait for their Gamaleya Sputnik V vaccine Component 2 doses regardless of delay in the interval.
The AEG also said that the recommended second dose of COVID-19 vaccines can still be given beyond the recommended internal time as specified in the EUA.
A delay of three to six months is still acceptable if COVID-19 vaccine delivery is affected by the global vaccine supply, said Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, chairperson of the National Vaccination Operation Center.
As of August 21, 2021, Central Visayas has received 10,700 doses of the vaccine from the national government.
The AEG, however, is not keen on mixing the Gamaleya Sputnik V’s component 1 with other vaccine brands.
“There is no scientific evidence to support mixing Gamaleya with other COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, administration of a second dose from a different COVID-19 vaccine brand is not allowed,” Cabotaje said.
The national government acknowledges the delays in the arrival of Component 2, but the country’s vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez, said Russia has promised to deliver Sputnik V’s Component 2 as soon as possible.
“Nangako po ang Russia na yung 205,000 na Component 2 na hindi po nila nadidiliver ay i-dedeliver po nila as soon as possible,” Galvez said.
In the meantime, Galvez said the national government has procured 2 million doses of Sputnik Ligh following the issuance of an EUA for the vaccine. Sputnik Light is a single-dose shot like the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
Badjao community, home vaccination
In Cebu City, vaccination has started among the Badjao community on Monday, August 23, 2021, with almost 20 Badjaos inoculated, said City Health officer-in-charge Jeffrey Ibones.
The initiative is in coordination with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the Cebu Medical Society (CMS).
“Nagpatabang ta sa RAFI ana and sa Cebu Medical Society aron ma-convince gyud nato kay ang RAFI naa man na sila’y program sa mga Badjao,” Ibones said.
“Although di pa daghan-daghan but, at least, nakasugod na ta og vaccinate nila. Ato silang gikuha, gihatod. Gikuyogan og tawo padung sa NOAH (Complex),” he said.
The city utilized the Johnson & Johnson since it is only a single shot vaccine.
Ibones said they started convincing the Badjao community since early last month. The Vaccination Operations Center, RAFI, and CMS took charge of registration.
“Naa pa’y incoming. Amo gyu’ng gipaningkamutan… Lisod man kaayo gud nga pugson gyud nato ba, kanang ila gyud, mosugot sila. Nagsige ta’g educate na nila,” he said.
On Wednesday, August 25, 2021, the city launched formally its “Bakuna sa inyong Tugkaran” project, which is an in-home vaccination program.
Home vaccination is offered to senior citizens, residents who are bedridden, persons with disabilities, and those recuperating from accidents who could not go out and travel to vaccination sites.
Dr. Peter Mancao said during the trial run on August 6 and August 20, they were able to vaccinate 73 qualified individuals in some barangays.
Mancao is helping the City Health Department together with the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) and USAID.
They are also using Johnson & Johnson for the project.
Ibones said the city plans on vaccinating twice a week but while vaccine supplies are still limited, vaccination will take place on Fridays. Two teams target to vaccinate at least 12 individuals.
Mancao said those who would want to avail of the service can reach out to ERUF via 161 or via 032-233-9300 and or 416-2664.
It’s important for those who avail of the service to enlist, considering that, for now, home vaccination is done only once a week since the team does not have enough manpower to carry it out on a daily basis.
PNP vaccination
Meanwhile, up to 7,000 policemen in Region 7 have received their COVID-19 vaccine. At least 4,000 others will be vaccinated at their local government units, said Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Director Ronnie Montejo.
PRO-7 hopes to have all cops in the region vaccinated by September.
Montejo said police offices across the region have re-implemented a skeleton workforce scheme among uniform and non-uniform personnel to prevent transmission of the virus among the PNP personnel.
"Naay work from home labi natong mga naay mga comorbidities," Montejo said.
As of Tuesday, August 24, 2021, there are 158 active cases in PRO-7. Three are in the hospital while 155 are in isolation facilities in different provinces.
Eight cops in the region have succumbed to the virus since the pandemic began. PRO-7 said earlier it will provide financial assistance of up to P100,000 to the families of the eight cops. — Mary Ruth R. Malinao and Iris Hazel M. Mascardo, JMO (FREEMAN)