By Gabriela Baron
The effect of mRNA vaccines, such as Moderna and Pfizer, against Omicron wanes after three months, the head of the country’s Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) said Wednesday, May 18.
VEP Chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani said the efficacy of mRNA vaccines drops to about 10% after two doses against the Omicron variant. Meanwhile, after the third dose, the vaccine’s efficacy then drops to about 59% to 75% two to four weeks after.
“Nakita rin sa mga pag-aaral abroad na after the first booster or third dose ay nagwi-wane din ‘yung immunity lalo na sa Omicron subvariants,” Gloriani said during the Laging Handa briefing.
“Napakaimportante ‘yan, lalo na doon sa hindi pa nababakunahan. Doon sa nabakunahan na ay malinaw na malinaw ang data na kulang ang proteksiyon ng dalawang doses,” she added.
On Wednesday, the Department of Health approved the administration of a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine for the senior citizens and frontline health workers. – ag
