By Gabriela Baron
The Department of Health (DOH) approved on Tuesday, July 26, the rollout of a second COVID-19 booster for aged 50 and adults aged 18 to 49 with comorbidities.
The approval came after the expansion of the emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of certain COVID-19 vaccine brands to allow their use as second booster shots and also upon the recommendation by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC).
DOH said only mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, will be used as second booster shots.
The second booster dose must be administered at least four months after the first booster.
“Eligible individuals may soon check with the announcements of their nearest [local government unit] or private sector vaccination site for the deployment schedules, and are asked to be ready with their vaccination card and valid ID,” DOH said in a statement.
The health department clarified, however, that medical certificate is not required even for those with comorbidities.
“As vaccine immunity wanes over time, we are dedicated to helping our people remain protected against COVID-19. We are making it easier for as many of our people to avail of the primary series and boosters – including second boosters. The DOH, along with other government agencies and private sector partners, aims to increase vaccine coverage nationwide,” DOH Officer-in-Charge Rosario Vergeire said.
“We need every eligible Juan and Juana to turn this into a whole-of-society fight against the virus. Together with the President, we stand by the fact that vaccines are safe and effective and remain to be our best-defense in this pandemic. Halina po at sumama sa PinasLakas, dahil sa laban natin sa COVID-19, walang maiiwan,” Vergeire added.
DOH launched PinasLakas booster campaign on Monday, July 25, in partnership with LGUs and launch sites including schools, malls, plazas, and places of worship where the public can walk-in to get their COVID-19 booster shot. –ag
