FDA allows COVID-19 booster shots 3 months after primary dose

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a shorter interval of three months between the last primary dose and the booster shot for COVID-19 vaccines.

This new policy allows individuals aged 18 and above to receive their booster shots at least three months after completing a two-dose primary vaccine series or two months after a single-dose primary vaccine.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stated that this decision aims to mitigate the effects of more transmissible COVID-19 variants, such as Omicron.

Duque emphasized the continued importance of prioritizing primary vaccination, particularly for unvaccinated senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions who are at higher risk of severe illness.

The DOH urges local government units to encourage vaccination, highlighting that sufficient primary series coverage and adherence to health standards are vital for maintaining low-risk classification and adequate health system capacity, especially during the holiday season.