GUIDE: Second COVID Booster for Seniors, Health Workers
Senior citizens and health workers can get their second COVID-19 booster shots, the DOH said Wednesday, after it confirmed the local transmission of an omicron subvariant that's driving infections higher in the U.S.
The second booster, or the fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot, will enhance protection against all coronavirus variants including omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1, said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in a statement.
While the new subvariant shows signs of being more contagious, it has yet to be determined if it causes more severe symptoms.
The second booster rollout is "effective immediately", said DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje on Wednesday.
READ:
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Here's what you should know about the second booster:
Who are eligible for second booster?
- Senior citizens (A2) aged 60 and above
- Frontline healthcare workers (A1) aged 18 and above
Those who are immunocompromised or with comorbidities are allowed to get their second boosters as early as April 2022.
When should it be administered?
Second booster should be given at least four months after the third vaccine dose or first booster dose.
What are the approved vaccines for second booster?
Eligible individuals can receive a homologous (same brand) or heterologous (different brand) of booster, the DOH said.
Approved brand for second booster are mRNA vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer.
Where can they get the second booster?
Eligible individuals may be given their second booster doses here:
- House-to-house vaccination for bedridden seniors and hard-to-reach individuals
- Vaccination in retirement homes or continuity care facilities
- Medical centers, hospitals, and primary care facilities
- Health offices in provinces and cities, rural health units, and barangay health stations
- Medical clinics as vaccination sites
- Physician's clinics as vaccination sites
- Pharmacies as vaccination sites
What are the requirements?
Those eligible for second boosters will be asked to preent the following:
- Original vaccination card showing complete vaccination of the primary series
- Vaccination card for first booster dose
- Any valid ID