DOH proposes redefining 'fully vaccinated' to include first booster

The Department of Health (DOH) is proposing to redefine 'fully vaccinated' to include those who have received their first COVID-19 booster shot.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said this redefinition aims to address the waning immunity due to increasing Omicron subvariant cases and low uptake of boosters.

As of August 8, about 16.6 million Filipinos have received their first booster shot while over 1.5 million have received second boosters.

Former NTF adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa supports the proposal, citing examples like polio and hepatitis B vaccines that require at least three doses for full protection.