“Yes, I am for redefinition of fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to those who received at least one booster dose after primary series in the general healthy population. That would mean at least 3 doses received,” Dr. Nina Gloriani said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 1) — The chairperson of the government’s vaccine experts panel on Saturday voiced support for the proposal to revise the definition of “fully vaccinated” to include COVID-19 booster shots.
She added that the immunocompromised and elderly population should even get a second booster dose.
“Siguro kapag gusto natin palawakin pa din ang isang nakita ko diyan is we have to change the definition of fully vaccinated that will now include the primary vaccine series plus the booster. Meron naman tayong supply na ng booster doses,” Solante said in the Laging Handa briefing.
[Translation: If we want to reach more people, we have to change the definition of fully vaccinated that will now include the primary vaccine series plus the booster. We have enough supply of COVID-19 shots.]
“But that is something for the All Experts Group and other specialists in vaccinology to decide on,” the chairperson said.
The idea first came from presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion to encourage more Filipinos to get their booster dose months after completing their primary vaccination series.
Solante, an infectious diseases specialist, also suggests making the completion of booster shots a requirement to return to the office to boost their protection against COVID-19.
On Friday, vaccine expert panel member Dr. Rontgene Solante raised the proposal of redefining “fully vaccinated” as the country now has enough supply of boosters.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they are discussing the possibility of redefining the term with several experts, adding they are also looking at the practices of other countries.
Over 65.8 million individuals in the country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, only 12 million have received the booster dose.
