Second booster shot rollout ‘on hold’ until HTAC gives recommendation — DOH

The implementation of the second anti-COVID booster shot for specific populations is currently put on hold until the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) gives its final recommendation of it, the Department of Health said Monday.

In a message to reporters, the DOH said they will wait until the HTAC has finished their review and has given their final recommendation on the second booster shot for the senior citizens, immunocompromised, and frontline health frontliners, which has been recently granted the emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration.

According to the Health Department, the second booster dose will be given at least four months after the administration of the first booster.

“All vaccines mentioned in the EUA for 2nd boosters will be used except Gamaleya Sputnik V,” DOH said.

Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) chairperson Dr. Myrna Cabotaje said on Sunday that the government is eyeing to roll out the second booster shot in the National Capital Region (NCR) by April 20, hoping the HTAC will release the guidelines this week.

At least 12.6 million Filipinos have received their first booster shots. Based on latest data by NVOC, there are 50.1 million eligible individuals due for boosters as of April 17. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA News