DOH guidelines out for 2nd booster shot for 50 and older

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday issued guidelines for the nationwide rollout of second booster for all individuals aged 50 and above, and 18 to 49 years old with comorbidities.

According to the DOH, this was after the expansion of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of certain COVID-19 vaccine brands to allow their use as second boosters in the expanded population groups, and the recommendations provided by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC).

“Only the Tozinameran (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) mRNA vaccines will be used for this purpose, and there must be an interval of at least four months from the third dose or first booster,” the Health department said in a statement.

The department said eligible individuals may check with the latest announcements in their nearest local government units or private sector vaccination site for schedules.

They are also advised to bring their vaccination card and valid ID.

The DOH, meanwhile, said a medical certificate is not required even for those with comorbidities.

The Health department said that a medical screener or doctor at the vaccination site is authorized “to assess and make the determination.”

“As vaccine immunity wanes over time, we are dedicated to helping our people remain protected against COVID-19. We are making it easier for as many of our people to avail of the primary series and boosters - including second boosters,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

“The DOH, along with other government agencies and private sector partners, aims to increase vaccine coverage nationwide,” it added.

The Health department said it will tap populated places such as offices, terminals, malls and even schools as vaccination sites as it aims to boost 50 percent of the target population against COVID-19 within the first 100 day of the Marcos administration.

At the launch of the campaign dubbed "PinasLakas" on Tuesday, Vergeire said this will bring the vaccines closer to the people and speed up the administration of the booster shots as COVID-19 cases begin to rise anew.

The campaign targets to give booster shots to at least 23,840,032 in three months.

The other vaccination sites being eyed are markets, places of worship, factories and plazas.—LDF, GMA News