The Department of Health (DOH) has released guidelines to make second Covid-19 booster shots available for individuals aged 50 and up, as well as people with comorbidities aged 18 to 49.
Only the Covid-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna will be used for the vaccination of the expanded population groups. People can only get the second booster four months after the first booster shot.
The health department said that eligible people must check the vaccination schedules from respective local government units or private sector vaccination sites.
Interested individuals must bring their vaccination card and a valid ID. A medical certificate is not required, including those with comorbidities. Doctors will be stationed in vaccination sites to assess and decide if a person is allowed to take a booster shot.
Meanwhile, the DOH started a campaign planning to administer boosters to 23.6 million individuals within the first 100 days of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Covid-19 vaccines will also be readily available in workplaces, factories, schools, places of worship, plazas, malls, and transport terminals.
“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,” said Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, officer-in-charge of the DOH.
— Ronald Espartinez