DOH clarifies general population not yet eligible for COVID-19 boosters

The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that the general population is not yet eligible for COVID-19 booster shots, emphasizing the ongoing priority of ensuring primary doses for eligible individuals.

Booster vaccinations are currently being administered to healthcare workers on a risk-based approach.

The rollout of booster doses to other priority groups will be conducted in a phased manner.

The DOH stressed the importance of completing primary doses for senior citizens, individuals with comorbidities, and the indigent population.

The Philippines commenced the vaccination of fully vaccinated medical workers with booster shots on Wednesday.

Guidelines from the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) specify waiting periods of at least six months for those with primary series of Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Gamaleya, and AstraZeneca, and at least three months for those with the Janssen vaccine.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. indicated that fully vaccinated senior citizens and those with comorbidities might begin receiving additional doses by the following week.