THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Moderna mRNA vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) for emergency use on adolescents 12 to 17, FDA Director General Eric Domingo said on Friday, September 3, 2021.
Domingo said the FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) issued to Moderna in May 2021. The original EUA allowed the use of the Moderna vaccine only on adults 18 and over.
Asked if the approval would mean that Moderna vaccines may already be accessed by adolescents, he said the decision is up to the Department of Health (DOH).
"The decision on prioritization in the vaccination program is with the DOH and the task force on vaccination," he said.
"If they decide that the prioritization will already reach those less than 18, then the 12 to 17 years olds may already be vaccinated," Domingo added.
Domingo said the approval comes with a warning for vaccinators and medical professionals to be on guard against very rare cases of myocarditis or inflammation of the heart.
"It has been observed in a few for every million vaccinated, mostly among younger males," he said during a Laging Handa online briefing.
However, the FDA chief there is a more pressing need to provide protection to younger people amid the surge in Covid-19 cases.
"The benefit of using this vaccine outweighs the risk," said Domingo.
The amended EUA was issued about two weeks after the company applied for authorization to inoculate adolescents.
Meanwhile, Domingo said there isn't enough reason to stop the use of Moderna vaccines in the Philippines despite the reported contamination of some batches in Japan.
"Here in the country, the use of Moderna vaccine will continue. At this time, there’s no reason to stop it," said Domingo.
He said the doses delivered to the Philippines were not among those being investigated for possible contamination.
"Three batches were suspended. Fortunately, we have confirmed that the doses delivered in the Philippines are not included in the batches under investigation," said Domingo.
Nonetheless, the official said it is necessary for vaccinators in the country to be vigilant against possible similar incidents.
"We want to remind our vaccinators of the importance of inspecting the vials prior to injection," said Domingo.
The FDA earlier approved the use of Pfizer vaccines for the same age range. Domingo said they are also studying the full approval of Pfizer vaccines. (HDT with Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo)