The Department of Health (DOH), through the National Covid-19 Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) has issued the guidelines for the nationwide rollout of the fourth dose for all adults aged 50 and above, and individuals 18-49 years of age with comorbidities.
This follows the expansion of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of certain Covid-19 vaccine brands to allow their use as second boosters in the expanded population groups, and the recommendations provided by the HealthTechnology Assessment Council (HTAC) to Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, DOH Officer-in-Charge.
The DOH said that only the Tozinameran (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) mRNA vaccines will be used for this purpose, and there must be an interval of at least four months from the third dose / first booster.
Eligible individuals will be asked to be ready with their vaccination card and valid ID. A medical certificate is not required, even for those with comorbidities. The medical screener or doctor at the vaccination site is authorized to assess and make the determination.
As part of the preparation for the administration of second booster doses to the above-mentioned populations, orientations for LGUs and vaccination centers are already scheduled.
The go signal for a national rollout also came timely as the DOH launched its PinasLakas booster campaign across the country.
As part of PinasLakas, schools, malls, plazas, and places of worship are to be turned into vaccination sites where people can avail of the life-saving vaccines.
The DOH also encourages individuals to get in touch with their LGUs regarding the government’s house-to-house vaccination initiatives.
“As vaccine immunity wanes over time, we are dedicated to helping our people remain protected against Covid-19. We are making it easier for as many of our people to avail of the primary series and boosters – including second boosters,” Vergeire said.
The DOH, along with other government agencies and private sector partners, she added, aims to increase vaccine coverage nationwide.
“We need every eligible Juan and Juana to turn this into a whole-of-society fight against the virus. Together with the President, we stand by the fact that vaccines are safe and effective and remain to be our best-defense in this pandemic. Halina po at sumama sa PinasLakas, dahil sa laban natin sa COVID-19, walang maiiwan,” said Vergeire.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes