Sec. Duque approves guidelines for booster, additional COVID-19 vaccines

Healthcare workers and the elderly could receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot in the next few months following the recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC), but enough supply of doses must be secured before it begins.

In a letter, the HTAC stressed the need to ensure that an “acceptable” number of the population has been covered by the inoculation campaign first. It corresponds to about half of the priority sectors and at least 70% of the target population in COVID-19 hotspots like Metro Manila.

Department of Health (DOH) secretary Francisco Duque III has approved the recommendation.

“The premature rollout of booster vaccination without attaining acceptable coverage would exacerbate existing inequities. Considering the current vaccination rate and coverage, these set thresholds are deemed attainable and thus will not delay the booster program,” read the HTAC letter dated October 13.

Immunocompromised patients, on the other hand, may receive a third COVID-19 dose at least 28 days after completing their first two shots. Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), the HTAC said those who demonstrate insufficient immune response must be prioritized.

“Ito pong gagawin nating third doses and booster shots, it’s going to be this baka last quarter po,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told TeleRadyo.

“Ito pong parating na Nobyembre at Disyembre magawa natin kung lalabas po ‘yung emergency use authority na manggagaling sa Food and Drug Administration.”