DOH: Second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to give optimal efficacy to user

Why is a second dose of COVID-19 shot needed? Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday said it gives the user the benefit of having the maximum effect of the vaccine.

"The second dose, just like any other vaccine, this provides you with your optimal efficacy kasi 'yung unang dose mo mayroon ka ng certain percentage na makukuha mo 'yung efficacy ng bakuna but that is already acceptable," Vergeire said in an online briefing.

"That is an acceptable level pero pag binigyan ka ng second dose, it give you your optimal, 'yung maximum effect ng bakuna makukuha mo," she added.

Individuals who already received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine can still be infected but with less severe symptoms, Vergeire said, citing expert studies.

"Kapag po tayo ay nabigyan na ng bakuna hindi po ito gate pass para tayo ay magkaroon na ng complacency. Kailangan pa rin po tayong magkaroon ng minimum public health standards," she said.

The country's Food and Drug Administration has yet to authorize any COVID-19 vaccine for local use.

At least two vaccine manufacturers—Pfizer and AstraZeneca—have already applied for emergency use authorization (EUA).

Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute is also set to apply.

Earlier this week, Manila’s Ambassador to Beijing Jose Santiago “Chito” Sta. Romana said two of China’s COVID-19 vaccine makers — Sinopharm and Sinovac — will also seek EUA in the Philippines.

Securing an EUA would mean a reduction in the processing time for the approval of the vaccines for local use from six months to 21 days.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization's Solidarity Trial for COVID-19 vaccines is expected to start by the end of the month or in February.—LDF, GMA News