The Philippines on Monday began the rollout of COVID-19 second booster shots, starting with immunocompromised adults to address waning immunity from the virus.
Adults with comorbidities were given priority to second booster shots since the Health Technology Assessment Council first finished its review of the additional vaccine dose for the sector.
The Food and Drug Administration earlier approved the second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine for senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, and frontline health workers.
READ: Omicron Makes Booster Shots More Critical for Vulnerable Seniors
Here's what you need to know about the second COVID-19 booster shot for immunocompromised individuals:
Who are the immunocompromised adults?
Based on the Department of Health's April 22 memorandum, immunocompromised individuals are defined as persons with/are:
1. Immunodeficiency state
2. HIV
3. Active cancer or malignancy
4. Transplant recipients
5. Undergoing steroid treatment
6. Patients with poor prognosis/ are bedridden
7. Other conditions of immunodeficiency as certified by physicians
When should the second booster dose be administered?
According to the DOH, the second booster dose should be administered at least three months after the third dose or first booster dose.
What are the available vaccine brands for second booster shot?
Eligible individuals, according to the DOH, will be given the option to receive a homologous (same brand) or heterologous (different brand) second booster dose depending on the availability of vaccine brands at the vaccination site.
Here are the approved second booster doses:
Where are the vaccination sites for second booster shots?
The following areas may be used as vaccination sites for COVID-19 second booster shots according to the DOH:
1. Government vaccination sites
2. Medical clinics
3. House-to-house vaccination for bedridden patients and hard-to-reach eligible individuals
4. Hospital vaccination
5. HIV treatment hubs
What are the requirements to bring?
Eligible individuals need to present the following documents only according to the DOH:
1. Original vaccination card showing completion of primary dose series and first booster dose
2. Any valid ID
3. Medical certificate for immunocompromised individuals
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