Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13)— The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the rollout of a second COVID-19 booster shot for senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, and frontline healthcare workers, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.
In a statement, the DOH confirmed it has received the amended vaccine emergency use authorization from the FDA.
The additional dose will be given at least four months after the first booster, it added.
“For moderately and severely immunocompromised patients, the 2nd booster could be given earlier subject to the attending physician’s assessment. The FDA thus recognized waning immunity in the specific populations,” the agency noted.
The DOH said the National Vaccination Operations Center is already working on the guidelines in administering the second booster shot.
The department applied last month for an amended EUA that would greenlight the fourth doses for the vulnerable sectors — a move health experts earlier recommended
Aside from these groups, the DOH also earlier sought the FDA’s approval for booster shots for minors aged 12 to 17. It has yet to provide an update on the matter.
