Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) — The definition of fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may change over time amid proposals to redefine it, a World Health Organization official said on Monday.
“Fully vaccinated is a vague term because it’s definition may change with evolving evidence. How many boosters are required? Do we need to keep giving boosters every six months? We don’t know yet,” said WHO acting representative to Asia Dr. Rajendra Yadav in a public briefing.
“Because this is a new pandemic and the COVID-19 is new for us. So it’s better to use terms like up to date with the recommended schedules,” he added.
There were a number of suggestions to redefine “fully vaccinated” as those who received a booster dose after the primary series.
However, Health officials said they and vaccine experts are not keen on the idea.
Meanwhile, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a fully vaccinated person is someone who received the primary series of COVID-19 vaccination. Meanwhile, people are up to date with vaccination “if they have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible.”
It added that “getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.”
The DOH earlier said the government may begin administering a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose — or second booster shot — to vulnerable and high-risk groups beginning late April.
