Elderly, frontline health workers may now get 2nd booster shot

Senior citizens and frontline healthcare workers may now avail their second booster shot against COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) announced Wednesday.

The Health Department said availing of a second booster will strengthen immunity against the virus as well as the Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1.

At present, there are 17 cases of the subvariant detected in the country — two in the National Capital Region, 12 in Puerto Princesa, and three in Western Visayas.

The DOH said vaccines that will be used are Pfizer and Moderna, which will be given at least four months after the administration of the first booster dose.

Individuals seeking to be vaccinated must present their vaccination card showing the date of their first booster dose and any valid government-issued ID.

According to the agency, the administration of the second booster will be implemented nationwide simultaneously, depending on the readiness of regional and local vaccination operation centers, implementing units, and vaccination sites.

For her part, National Vaccination Operations Center chairperson Myrna Cabotaje said this is how the country will “fight back” against COVID-19.

“This is the moment we have all been waiting for. After careful study and consideration of the best available evidence, we shall now roll out effective immediately the second booster for our frontline health workers and senior citizens,” Cabotaje said in a statement.

This was echoed by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

“It fortifies the defense of health workers and highly vulnerable seniors. Everyone eligible can get the second booster jab done at the LGU vaccination sites nearest you. They are safe, effective, and free of charge,” she said.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III called on the public to get vaccinated against the virus.

“To further advance our march to the new normal, we call on every eligible Juan and Juana to get their booster doses and those who have not yet received their primary doses,” he said.

“These vaccines will serve as our protection from existing variants and variants in the future. Together, we can get the job done by getting the jab done,” he added. —LBG, GMA News