Moderna testing booster shot suited for all COVID-19 vaccines

United States-based biotech company Moderna Inc is conducting clinical trials of its booster shot that is compatible with other COVID-19 vaccine brands.

In an interview on Dobol B TV, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez said he was advised by the biotech company that they are already conducting clinical tests on the booster shots.

“Itong booster shots pwede natin gamiting maski anong brand. Kung nagpabakuna sila ng ibang brand, pwedeng pang booster nila itong Moderna" (This booster shot can be used regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine brand one initially got), Romualdez said.

Moderna's booster shot will be delivered to the Philippines towards the end of the year, he added. 

Earlier, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippine government is considering Moderna’s booster shots for COVID-19.

According to Galvez, the booster shots could arrive in September or October of this year.

So far, the Philippines has used Sinovac and AstraZeneca brands for its vaccination program.

As of April 20, the Philippines has vaccinated a total of 1,353,107 Filipinos since the start of vaccination program rollout last March 1. —LBG, GMA News