News
Vaccine experts’ decision for 2nd booster shot out soon
MANILA – The recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) for the rollout of the second booster administration will be out soon, Vaccine Expert Panel chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani said on Thursday.
At the Laging Handa public briefing, Gloriani said the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) is ready to fully implement the administration of second booster shots to eligible populations as soon as the HTAC officially issues its recommendation.
Eligible for a second booster dose are those belonging to the vulnerable population such as healthcare workers, the elderly, and persons with comorbidity.
Those who wish to avail of the second booster should bring their vaccine card, indicating that they have completed the two Covid-19 primary series and first booster shot as well as their identification card, when going to the inoculation sites.
Immunocompromised individuals are required to bring their medical certificates for further health assessment.
“Hindi kailangang pareho [ang brand ng vaccine] dun sa first dose so kung ano ang available doon sa vaccination sites, iyon ang ating ibibigay. Actually, we prefer yung heterologous sana na booster kasi alam natin na ang data ‘dun mas maganda ang proteksyon na maibibigay ng heterologous (It’s not required that you will get a similar vaccine brand from your first dose so we will give whatever is available in the vaccination sites. Actually, we prefer a heterologous booster dose because we know the data showed it could give better protection),” Gloriani said.
Gloriani also recommends a heterologous (mixed) second booster dose for those who received single-shot Janssen vaccines.
Health authorities will issue final guidelines on second booster administration following the HTAC recommendation.
Meanwhile, Gloriani said the Vaccine Expert Panel already suggested the provision of first booster shots for pediatric 12 to 17 age group and still waiting for the approval of the HTAC as there’s still an ongoing study on the matter.
Jay Mark Hernandez
April 21, 2022 at 8:00 AM
Perfect ito para masolusyunan ang pandemic. Ito na ang magiging susi natin para maituloy na ang naantalang trabaho at magbukas na ang mga negosyo. Government must priority this first. Itong booster na ito ay makakatulong sa bawat Pilipino na maging safe at secure. At para sa kapakanan ng bawat isa.
John Christopher Victorio
April 21, 2022 at 9:02 AM
Very informative and timely news! Yay! Let’s get the Philippines into a covid-free country.
Janice Ian
April 21, 2022 at 11:11 AM
G ako dito sa 2nd booster shot kung ito ang mainam para sa pangkalusugan na panglaban sa virus. Ang advice ko lang para sa lahat, dapat sa atin na mismong mag-umpisa ang pagiginng responsable at transparent sa health natin. Bago magpabakuna siguraduhin na nasa maayos ang kalagayan at pakiramdam natin, mahalaga kasi na malaman din ng mga magbabakuna sa atin kung okay ba tayo para walang maging problema o epektong hindi maganda ang bakuna sa atin. Baka naman kasi may nararamdaman kana palang hindi maganda tapos magpapabakuna kapa tapos bakuna pa yung sisisihin mo pag may hindi magandang nangyari sayo. Dapat tayo mismo responsable sa sarili natin.
Imelda Galero
April 21, 2022 at 11:33 AM
Bigyan prayoridad ang sting mga health workers para dito sa 2nd booster shot. Sila ang mas may kailangan nito dahil sila mas malapit sa virus.