Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 3) — While the country’s Vaccine Expert Panel said healthcare workers and immunocompromised people could already receive COVID-19 booster shots, other experts need to weigh in, too, the Department of Health said on Friday.
“The vaccine expert panel in one of our meetings was able to verbalize with their presentation na base sa kanilang pag-aaral (that based on their studies), maaaring magbigay na ng booster doses (booster doses can already be given) to healthcare workers and immunocompromised individuals,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online briefing.
“But hindi natatapos ang desisyon kasi nagsabi na ang Vaccine Expert Panel (Our decision does not solely rely on the vaccine expert panel), we also listen to other experts,” she added.
The health spokesperson said the department is awaiting recommendations from other members of the All Experts panel, which guides the overall implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program of the country.
She added the All Experts will meet next week, and hopefully finalize their decision.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earmarked ₱45 billion for COVID-19 booster shots under unprogrammed appropriations in the proposed budget for 2022. Unprogrammed items are only financed if the government’s revenue collection exceeds the target.
The DBM earlier said funds for the procurement of additional doses are under unprogrammed funds because the government has yet to approve vaccine boosters.
