DOH eyes roll-out of fourth COVID-19 doses or 'second booster shots' by April-end
A fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose or second booster shot may be rolled out before the end of April, a Department of Health (DOH) official said on March 26.
During a Laging Handa public briefing, DOH Usec. Myrna Cabotaje said they've already applied to the local Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) the amendment of the emergency use authorization of certain COVID-19 vaccine brands to be used as fourth doses or second booster shots.
"Hinihintay na po natin ang ating mga guidelines," said Cabotaje, who chairs the National Vaccination Operations Center. "Patuloy na nagtatalastasan tayo sa mga eksperto."
She noted that priority recipients are high-risk and vulnerable groups such as health care workers, senior citizens and immunocompromised people.
Once the DOH has secured the FDA's approval for the EUA amendment, Cabotaje said those who are part of the mentioned groups may receive their COVID-19 jabs by "last week of April."
"Hindi sapat iyong two doses, lalo na sa (senior citizens)," she said. "Kailangang palakasin (ang immunity) sa pamamagitan ng additional shot, lalo na sa paglaban sa Omicron at darating pang variants of concern."
Countries like France, Germany, Sweden, and England have been pushing for fourth doses, especially among the elderly who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms.
To date, over 65.5 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while 11.7 million have received their booster shots.