By Lade Jean Kabagani | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – The government is mulling mandatory booster shots for senior citizens and those with comorbidities to prevent severe coronavirus infections that may result in deaths.
National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 chief, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., said Tuesday (March 8) that massive administration of booster shots “greatly contributed to decline of mortality rate in some countries”.
“During the height of many deaths, we’ve seen that those 59 years old and above, as well as those with comorbidities, were very vulnerable so it was suggested for them to get booster dose and even a second booster dose,” Galvez said, partly in Filipino, during a media interview at a vaccination activity in Makati City.
“Those countries that have a high number of administered booster doses and even with fourth doses have a lower death rate of point three based on their cases,” he added.
Galvez said the impact of booster vaccination to reduce mortality rate have been discussed by the NTF, Vaccine Experts Panel, and other health authorities.
The government may also amend the definition of “fully vaccinated” from having two primary doses to include booster shots.
“Meaning, when you say fully vaccinated, you were administered with at least three. The experts panel is now tackling that matter,” he added.
Department of Health Director, Dr. Gloria Balboa, said under study is the provision of a second booster shot or the fourth dose.
“It needs to be based on studies abroad and locally so let’s just wait for whatever results of the study,” she said. (PNA)
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