Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) — The government may start providing fourth COVID-19 vaccine doses — or second booster shots — to vulnerable and high-risk populations starting late April, a health official said.
“Hinihintay na po natin ang ating mga guidelines. Patuloy na nagtatalastasan tayo sa mga eksperto,” she said during a virtual briefing on Saturday.
[Translation: We are waiting for our guidelines. We are constantly communicating with experts.]
Those who will be prioritized for the additional shots are senior citizens and immunocompromised individuals, as well as health workers, Cabotaje said.
Once the DOH has secured approval for the EUA amendments and guidelines, people under those groups may begin receiving their fourth COVID vaccine dose by “last week of April,” she said.
Cabotaje urged especially the elderly and immunocompromised to immediately receive their shots once available.
“Hindi sapat ‘yung two doses lalo na sa kanila,” she explained. “Humihina ang immunity, lalo na sa edad nila. Humihina ang proteksyon. Kailangang palakasin ito sa pamamagitan ng additional shot lalo na sa paglaban sa Omicron at darating pang variants of concern.”
[Translation: Two doses are not enough especially for them. Immunity weakens, especially at their age. Protection weakens. It needs to be enhanced with additional shots, especially in the fight against Omicron and future variants of concern.]
Meanwhile, Cabotaje said that as of March 24, 65.5 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated while 11.7 million have received their booster shots.
Acknowledging the slow booster uptake, Cabotaje said the government is expanding the accessibility of the third dose by bringing them to government agencies, construction sites, private companies.
The DOH will also launch special COVID-19 vaccination days in Cebu, Cotabato City, Region 11, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
READ: Govt sets special vaccination days for BARMM, Central Visayas
The Department of Health (DOH) has already applied for amendments to the emergency use authorization (EUA) of select vaccines that may be used as a fourth dose, according to Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje.
