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PSG urged to apply for special vaccine permit at FDA

By Azer Parrocha

January 5, 2021, 8:39 pm

MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday urged the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to apply for special permits for the use of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so they could get more personnel inoculated.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the remark after FDA Director General Eric Domingo said PSG personnel could be granted a "compassionate special permit" in the absence of an emergency use authorization from the agency.

“I would seriously advise PSG na sundin iyong sinabi ni Usec. Domingo. Mag-apply ng special permit nang sa ganoon maturukan iyong lahat ng miyembro ng PSG (I would seriously advise the PSG to follow what Undersecretary Domingo said to apply for a special permit so that more members of the PSG could be inoculated),” Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

Asked if the FDA could also issue special permits for health care workers, he said it would not be necessary because vaccines would soon be available in the country.

“I don’t think it’s necessary because we are taking steps to ensure that the vaccine will come very soon,” Roque said.

During a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and members of his Cabinet, Domingo said the FDA could give authority for the use of the vaccines for a “smaller group”, such as the PSG.

“If it’s going to be a smaller group po, for example po 'yung (the) PSG, and of course priority naman po talaga nila na kayo ay proteksyunan (it’s their priority to give you protection), then we can give po (a) compassionate special permit for this kasi maliit lang naman po 'yon (because it’s only a small number) and then a hospital can take care of it and a doctor can administer them safely,” he said.

Duterte’s close-in security personnel have been criticized for allegedly violating Republic Act (RA) 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 by getting vaccinated against Covid-19.

RA 9711 prohibits the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, non-consumer use, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship of health products without proper authorization. (PNA)

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