Health experts urge boosters amid Omicron subvariant XBB, XBC detection

Health experts are urging Filipinos to get their booster shots following the confirmation of the Omicron subvariant XBB and the XBC variant in the country.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go also renewed his call for Filipinos to get vaccinated and boosted, and to continue to be vigilant and not be complacent.

Rontgene M. Solante, a member of the Health department's technical advisory group, warned that infections might rise in the coming weeks, especially in areas with low vaccination and booster rates.

The Department of Health (DoH) has reported 81 cases of the Omicron XBB subvariant and 193 cases of the XBC variant, a recombinant of Delta and BA.2.

Although the Omicron XBB subvariant has led to infection spikes in Singapore, there is currently no strong evidence suggesting it causes more severe illness.

Go emphasized the need to continue wearing masks and adhering to health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus, and to trust the advice of experts and authorities.

Solante emphasized the need for vigilance due to the Philippines' low booster uptake, advising continued vaccination, booster administration, and mask-wearing to curb potential case increases.