The Philippines is set to roll out the second COVID-19 booster shot in April, the Department of Health said Tuesday as experts predict a surge in virus infections by May due to declining adherence to health protocols.
The health department is awaiting the final review and recommendations of the Health Technology Assessment Council before the rollout of the second booster shot, DOH Usec. Myrna Cabotaje said.
"Ang ating priority po ay ang health workers natin, yung ating senior citizen, yung ating immunocompromised," Cabotaje, who also heads the National Vaccination Operations Center, said in a televised briefing.
The Food and Drug Administration last week approved the second booster shot for frontline health workers, senior citizens, and individuals with comorbidities citing waning immunity in specific populations.
Here's what you need to know about the second COVID-19 booster shot:
When will the rollout begin?
The DOH is eyeing to start the rollout of second booster shots by the end of the week of Easter Sunday at the earliest or by next week at the latest according to Cabotaje.
What COVID-19 vaccine brands will be used?
The following brands were approved for second booster shots according to Cabotaje: Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik Light, and the J&J vaccine.
Who can avail of the shots?
The FDA approved the second booster shots so far for frontline health workers, senior citizens, and individuals with comorbidities.
Where will the rollout start?
The rollout of second booster shots will start in Metro Manila according to Cabotaje. Local government units of Central Luzon and the Southern Tagalog Region have also requested to be included in the initial rollout, she added.
Following the initial rollout, Cabotaje said the program would be expanded nationwide.
What is the interval for the second booster shot?
Individuals need to wait four months from their first booster shot before they can get their second booster shot according to Cabotaje.
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