Public advised to get 2nd booster dose amid rising COVID-19 cases

People eligible to receive the second COVID-19 booster dose were called on by a medical professional to take the jab amid the reported rise in coronavirus infections.

In a public briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Benito Atienza, Philippine Federation of Professional Association Vice President III, stressed the importance of getting the additional booster dose at least six months after the first dose to improve the body’s resistance against COVID-19.

“Proteksyon po natin ‘yan kasi alam natin na after ilang buwan, ay bumababa ang fighter ng ating bakuna at kailangan mabigyan ng booster shot. ‘Yung booster shot ay para tumaas ulit ang level ng ating immunity against the disease,” he said.

(It's for our protection because we know that after a few months, the "fighter" in our vaccine decreases, thus a booster shot is needed. The booster shot would increase the level of our immunity against the disease.)

Healthy adults aged 18 and above are now allowed to receive the second COVID-19 booster shot at local government units and the Department of Health (DOH) Centers for Health Development.

DOH’s latest data showed that at least 78.4 million Filipinos were already fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while 23.8 million individuals have received their first booster shots.

Atienza, who is also a pediatrician, also recommended refraining children from entering crowded places, and the continued wearing of face masks especially in indoor areas.

Twenty-six areas have been placed under Alert Level 2 from April 15 to 30, 2023, according to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on Sunday.

Under Alert Level 2, certain establishments and activities are allowed at 50% capacity indoors for fully vaccinated adults (and minors, even if unvaccinated), and 70% capacity outdoors. —VAL, GMA Integrated News