Over 100k boosters, additional doses administered — DOH

More than 100,000 booster shots and additional doses have been administered to fully-vaccinated healthcare workers, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals in the country, the Department of Health said Thursday.

Of the total 102,102 doses, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said 69,971 were given to healthcare workers, 21,139 to senior citizens, and 10,992 additional doses to immunocompromised individuals.

“Ang total natin na nabigyan na ng boosters o additional doses is 102,102 across the whole country (we have given 102,102 individuals boosters or additional doses across the country),” Vergeire said during a live briefing.

Booster shots are given when immunity is starting to wane off after several months since receiving the vaccine while additional doses, or the third doses, are given to individuals who cannot mount the appropriate immunity against the sickness.

The Philippines began the inoculation of seniors and immunocompromised individuals with boosters shots on Monday while healthcare workers started receiving booster shots on November 17.

3-day vaccination drive

Meanwhile, Vergeire again called for more volunteers for the national vaccination drive from November 29 to December 1.

Health screeners, vaccinators, post-vaccination monitoring personnel, health educators, registration personnel, data consolidators, and encoders are needed.

The Health undersecretary also urged the public to get vaccinated during the drive.

“Maari rin magpabakuna ng booster doses among our healthcare workers, senior citizens, and additional dose for immunocompromised individuals,” Vergeire said.

She said those interested in volunteering or getting vaccinated may reach out to their local government units. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News