Booster for immunocompromised teens; rest of aged 12-17 begins

The immunocompromised minors include those who are undergoing cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood; organ transplant; those who received stem cell transplant within the last two years; have moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency and have advanced or untreated HIV infection. (Pexels)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said some 100 immunocompromised minors aged 12 to 17 have received their booster shots this week.

The rollout for those with immunocompromised conditions began last Monday. Still, the agency expects the number to increase with the approval of boosters for the rest of those in the age bracket.

“Nagbigay na rin ng oo na puwede nang ipatupad ‘yong rest of the population of 12 to 17 so hopefully, in the coming weeks, makikita natin ang slow na pagtaas nitong 12 to 17 booster doses dahil kailangan din ng ating kabataan ang booster doses na ito (The approval to administer booster for the rest of the population of 12 to 17 was already given so hopefully, in the coming weeks, we see a slow increase in the uptake because our minors need booster shot too),” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a Laging Handa briefing.

She assured the public of enough supply of Pfizer vaccine doses, which are being used as additional shots.

The immunocompromised minors include those who are undergoing cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood; organ transplant; those who received stem cell transplant within the last two years; have moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency and have advanced or untreated HIV infection.

Also included are those who undergo active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs; dialysis; those living with autoimmune disease and treatment with specific immuno-suppressive medications; and those with conditions considered to be immunocompromised like malnutrition.

Vergeire said this group would have to get their booster in hospitals.