THE Department of Health (DoH) announced on Monday that the plan for second Covid-19 booster shots for priority sectors has been put on hold until the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) has given its final recommendation. Health Undersecretary and National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) Chairman Myrna Cabotaje earlier said the guidelines for a second booster dose were ready. In a statement, the DoH said all vaccines mentioned in the EUA for second boosters will be used except Gamaleya Sputnik V.The second booster shot can be administered four months after the first booster dose to senior citizens, health care workers and immunocompromised individuals. Data showed that as of April 17, 50.1 million individuals were eligible for first booster doses but only 12.6 million have been jabbed. "As experts warn of an uptick in cases, we must continue to adhere to minimum public health standards such as wearing of masks, washing of hands, observing physical distancing and ramping up vaccination/getting booster shots," he added.

Source: Manila Times April 19, 2022 04:23 UTC