Philippine gov't starts giving out second COVID-19 booster shots

The Philippine government has started administering the second COVID-19 booster shots for healthcare workers and the immunocompromised population on Monday, April 25.

Lei Alviz reported on “24 Oras” that some immunocompromised healthcare workers were among the first to receive the additional jab to ensure their continuous protection against the coronavirus due to their medical condition and constant exposure to hospitals.

Rona Samonte, a hospital clerk, said she availed of the second booster shot to protect her health.

“Breast cancer survivor ako [noong] 2015. Para din sa health ko kasi nga immunocompromised ako. Willing naman ako magpa-vaccine at magpa-booster ulit,” she said.

(I was a breast cancer survivor back in 2015. I availed it for my health. I am willing to get vaccinated or get boosted again.)

Her sentiments were echoed by Dr. Soraya Alvarado who also wants to serve as a model to others.

“Hindi ako nagkaroon ng  COVID dahil na rin sa protection na rin ng pagsunod sa protocols at tsaka bakuna.  Hindi lang sarili mo pino-proteksyunan mo lalo na noong inisip ko yung pamilya ko,” she said.

(I did not contract COVID because of my protection from adhering to protocols and getting vaccinated. By availing of the jab, you are not only protecting yourself but your family as well.)

Among the participating vaccination sites in Metro Manila are the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Dr. Jose M. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital  (Tala Hospital), and Valenzuela Medical Center. Also included in the rollout are the Valenzuela Medical Center and the local government of Makati.

At Tala Hospital, senior citizens and healthcare workers with no medical conditions were also given the second booster shot. The management explained it is how they interpreted the directive of the Department of Health (DOH).

In Valenzuela Medical Center, reports of healthcare workers asking for a second booster also surfaced.

The DOH said it is still verifying such reports and has reminded vaccination centers to follow protocols.

According to the health department, only those immunocompromised aged 18 years old and above are allowed to be vaccinated with the second booster shot.

The Food and Drug Administration already approved the additional COVID-19 booster for healthcare workers and senior citizens but they are still waiting for the assessment of the Health Technology Assessment Council and the DOH.

Five vaccine brands were also approved in the country for the second booster that should be given not less than three months after the first booster dose —  Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca.

As of April 24, over 12.9-million Filipinos have received their booster dose. Around 37M, meanwhile, have yet to avail it.

Dr. Aleli Sudiacal, assistant regional director of DOH-NCR, said the low turnout remains a “big challenge” adding they are taking actions to make vaccination more accessible to the people.

The administration targets around 700,000 immunocompromised individuals for the second COVID-19 booster. -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA News