ALL FULLY vaccinated adults (18 years old and above) are now eligible to receive single-dose booster shots at least three months after the second dose of the following vaccines: AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac, and Sputnik V.
Meanwhile, those who were inoculated with the Janssen vaccine can get their booster shots at least two months after their first dose.
The Department of Health XI also reiterates that booster shots are not recommended for ages 12-17 years old. The DOH assures that all vaccines with Philippine Food and Drug Authority (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization are proven safe and effective.
Earlier, Secretary of Health Francisco T. Duque III announced that the interval for the administration of booster doses shall be shortened, following the approval of the Food and Drug Administration.
The shortened interval became effective on Dec. 22, 2021.
Under this new policy, boosters may already be given to adults at least three months after the second dose of a primary two-dose vaccine, or at least two months after the primary single-dose vaccine is given.
“We are exploring all possible options to safely mitigate the effects of more transmissible variants of COVID-19. The approval came at an opportune time as several countries also re-strategized in light of the Omicron and other COVID-19 variants that may emerge,” said the Health Secretary said.
Further, the DOH reiterates the importance of prioritizing vaccination among those who are yet to receive their primary series.
“We call on our local government units to encourage their constituents to get vaccinated, especially the unvaccinated senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions who are more vulnerable to having severe COVID-19. Ensuring enough coverage of the primary series while adhering to the minimum public health standards are crucial if we want to maintain low to minimal risk classification and have adequate health systems capacities especially during the holiday season,” Duque further said.
