DOH awaits WHO recommendation on additional Covid-19 doses

The DOH is waiting for the WHO's official recommendation on giving additional doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to certain groups, including immunocompromised individuals, senior citizens, and healthcare workers.

According to experts, a booster shot is given after protection from the original shots decreases over time, while an additional dose is for those with health conditions to further protect them from severe cases or death.

The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization recommended on October 11 that immunocompromised individuals receive an additional shot.

WHO Representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe stated on Thursday that the organization supports a third dose for people who are immunocompromised and unable to develop full immunity after two doses, emphasizing this is different from boosters for the general population.

Abeyasinghe also recommended that elderly individuals (A2 population) who received primary vaccination with Sinovac or Sinopharm should receive a third dose of the same vaccine brand to enhance its effectiveness.