Palace asks public to wait for population protection before boosters

Malacañang appealed to the public to wait for the Philippines to achieve population protection before getting COVID-19 booster shots.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the government does not tolerate individuals getting booster shots when many Filipinos remain unvaccinated.

This statement comes after two men were charged in Quezon City for receiving a booster shot of a different vaccine brand despite completing their Sinovac doses.

Roque emphasized that all vaccines provide protection and the priority should be vaccinating the majority of the population first.

He believes that life can only return to normal once vaccination significantly reduces deaths and hospitalizations.

However, Roque noted that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and seafarers may be an exception, as some employers require specific vaccine brands.

He reiterated that vaccines are the only way to end the pandemic and achieving population protection should come before booster shots.