Manila Bulletin
Expert explains why elderly should be prioritized in PH administration of COVID-19 vaccine booster shot
An expert from the Department of Science and Technology Vaccine Expert Panel (DOST-VEP), Dr. Nina Gloriani, recommended that senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are fully vaccinated should receive their COVID-19 booster shots three to five months after their second dose.
Dr. Gloriani explained that immunity wanes faster in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals compared to the general population.
Data indicates that immunity can decrease within three to five months for these vulnerable groups, while for the general population, it typically lasts about six months, or even eight to ten months for some.
She emphasized the importance of starting the booster vaccination program for senior citizens promptly due to their quicker waning immunity.
The Department of Health has approved Sinovac, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca as eligible vaccines for booster shots.
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