Returning Filipinos can also avail of booster shots

MANILA – Aside from those aged 18 and above, returning Filipinos are also eligible for booster or additional shots of the vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) announced Friday the eligibility of all adults six months after receiving their primary second dose of Sinovac, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Sputnik V.

The administration interval between the single-shot Janssen vaccine and a booster shot is three months.

Vaccinees may choose between homologous (same brand) and heterologous (mixed) vaccination depending on their availability.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, also the NVOC chair, said overseas Filipino returnees may avail of their additional doses.

She likewise said during Friday’s Laging Handa media briefing that the elderly and adults with comorbidities should have priority lanes in vaccination centers, especially when availing of booster shots.

“Hindi pa rin sapat iyon (primary doses). Kailangan mapa-igting pa ang pagpapabakuna sa kanila (Primary doses are not enough. We need to intensify their vaccination). We know that the booster is also needed,” she said.

The Philippines has so far administered 421,406 doses of booster or additional doses to health care workers, senior citizens, and immune-compromised adults.