Philippines begins administering 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose

The Philippines began administering a fourth dose or second booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, April 25.

The National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) expects 7,000 to 13,000 immunocompromised individuals to receive their second booster doses on the first day of the rollout.

Only immunocompromised individuals aged 18 and above are eligible to receive their fourth dose as early as three months after their first booster.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III approved the rollout, which is intended for patients with conditions such as cancer, those who have received organ transplants, and individuals with HIV/AIDS.

The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) expressed support for the program, noting it is beneficial to senior citizens and the immunocompromised who are more vulnerable to severe Covid-19.

Dr. Maricar Limpin, PCP president, stressed the pressing need to boost the immunity of vulnerable sectors as scientific evidence shows vaccine efficacy wanes over time.

The NVOC stated that the country's current vaccine supply is sufficient for the second booster shots for the immunocompromised, and for primary doses and first and second boosters for all eligible individuals.

Healthcare workers and senior citizens are not yet included in this rollout, as their eligibility is still under review.