Ex-DOH chief Garin: Let public get second COVID-19 booster shot

Former Department of Health (DOH) secretary and incumbent Iloilo Representative Janette Garin said the public must be given the option to receive second booster shot as a “complete protection” against COVID-19.

In a statement, Garin said only few are getting booster shot because they are not aware that “without booster shot, they are not fully protected.”

“Everything must be backed by science. Trials have established the benefits of receiving two boosters. Those who would like complete protection should be allowed to do so and be given the option,” she said.

“Walang overdose sa bakuna. Kailangan maintindihan ito ng taong bayan,” she added.

(There is no overdose in vaccine. The people need to understand this.)

According to the former Health chief,  Delta and Omicron COVID-19 variants, including their subvariants, “have changed the definition of a fully immunized person.”

She also said that waning protection and inadequate protection from the primary series are two reasons for breakthrough infections.

Garin said the definition of "fully immunized" should be “a person received the primary series, plus a third dose or first booster.”

“It is expected that sooner, the primary series will have to be three doses, based on the behavior of the virus and its impact on vaccination,” she said.

She cited that the when polio vaccine was first introduced, some people needed nine doses for community protection to be established, adding that it became three doses with boosters when there are calamities and outbreaks.

“Kailangan lang natin ng mga tamang tao at eksperto na mag-eexplain ng vaccination sa ating mga kababayan para maalis ang mga agam-agam at takot,” Garin said.

(We just need the right people and experts to explain vaccination to the public to remove doubts and fears.)

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, however, said the Health Technology Assessment Council has not yet recommended the second COVID-19 booster shot to the general adult population.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, meanwhile, said that it was still being studied.

“Yung rest of population ay pinagaaralan ‘yan sa kasulukuyan sinisiguro yung kaligtasan yung appropriateness ng ating booster dose (The rest of the population is being studied to ensure the safety the appropriateness of our booster dose),” Duque added.

The DOH earlier cautioned local government units against administering the second booster without the go-ahead of authorities, saying local executives could be held liable for adverse events or complications.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire issued the warning  after an individual supposedly received a second booster shot without meeting the criteria.

Under the emergency use authorization, only immunocompromised individuals, healthcare workers, and senior citizens are so far qualified for the second booster shot.—LDF, GMA News