When Will Duterte Receive the Russian Vaccine? Presidential Spokesperson : May Next Year the Earliest

Duterte (Source: Associated Press)

Vaccine experts will evaluate the effects of the first and second phase clinical trials of the 'Sputnik-V' vaccine in September this year. From October to March 2021, the third phase of clinical trials will be conducted simultaneously in the Philippines and Russia, and Duterte can be vaccinated as early as May 1.

On the 13th local time, the Presidential Palace of the Philippines held a press conference on the new coronavirus vaccine and other matters. The President’s spokesperson stated at the meeting that the Philippines and Russia will start a clinical trial of the Sputnik-V vaccine in the Philippines in October, and Duterte’s earliest vaccination time is expected in May 2021.

Based on reports from the Philippine Star and the Russian Satellite News Agency, according to the introduction of the Presidential Palace, vaccine experts will evaluate the effects of the first and second phases of the Spuntik-V vaccine in September this year. From October to March 2021, the third phase of clinical trials will be conducted simultaneously in the Philippines and Russia, and will be funded by Russia. After the vaccine is approved and registered by the Food and Drug Administration in April 2021, Duterte can be vaccinated as early as May 1.

The Philippines' vaccine work plan, Source: 'Philippines Star'

Earlier, Duterte had stated that he was willing to take the lead after the Russian vaccine was in place, and he also said that he would receive the injection in public. Duterte called Russian President Putin his 'idol' and sought to strengthen relations with Russia. He also added that Manila can help Moscow in clinical trials and localized production. Kirill Dmitriev, Head of the Russian Direct Investment Foundation, said this week that the third phase of the vaccine trial has begun this week, and will be conducted in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and the UAE in addition to Russia. The Russian Ministry of Health stated that the first batch of vaccines is expected to be produced and available within two weeks and is currently undergoing quality control testing.