Malacañang and the Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that COVID-19 booster shots are safe and effective forms of protection against the deadly disease.
This is in response to a viral post in social media using an old statement of President Rodrigo Duterte dated Sept. 30, 2021 when he said that two vaccine doses are enough.
The old statement, which was made before the government approved the administration of booster doses last year, is reportedly being used “by some groups to campaign against the administration of COVID-19 booster shots.”
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the current situation is “vastly different,” following the government’s approval of health experts’ recommendation last November to use booster doses amid “ample supplies of vaccines” and the “substantial percentage” of fully vaccinated individuals.
“To further encourage the public to get their booster shots, the President in his December 21, 2021 address enjoined the public to ‘take advantage’ of the country’s sufficient supply of vaccines against COVID-19 and get their booster shots to control the spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant,” Nograles said.
In the Jan. 24 Laging Handa briefing, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III supported the Palace’s statement stressing the importance of booster doses.
“Napakamahalaga ang booster dose para mapalakas ang ating proteksyon laban sa mga nagsusulputang variants – Delta, ngayon mayroon tayong Omicron, na kung saan ang primary series saka ang booster dose ay may mataas na lebel ng proteksiyon na 81%,” he said.
The official said the administration of second booster shot being tried in other countries is still being evaluated by the country’s experts.
“Wala pa tayo sa ganoon. At ang mga experts natin, pinangungunahan ni Dr. Nina Gloriani, vaccine expert panel, nakikipag-ugnayan sila sa kanilang counterparts,” he said. – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG-rir
Watch the report here:
