A few months ago, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that it had fully vaccinated more than 70 million Filipinos against Covid-19. Currently, some local government units are experiencing an increase in Covid-19 cases. Despite this increase, these LGUs have recorded low Covid-19 fatalities, and the availability of hospital beds and equipment for the treatment of severe cases remains high.
Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases, the latter developments in the country’s ongoing battle against the pandemic can be attributed to the country’s vaccination drive.
Last November 2021, the national government released guidelines for the rollout of the Covid-19 booster doses to priority groups (health-care workers, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals) and adults aged 18 and above. However, one cause for concern is that only more than 20 percent of eligible Filipinos have received their first booster shot. These figures are low compared to our neighbors such as Vietnam where over 60 percent of their eligible population have received their boosters.
After more than two years in lockdown, many of us are tired of the restrictions brought by the pandemic. We crave a return to normalcy. We want to see our loved ones again and carry on with our lives without worry. To help stave off a return to empty streets and overworked hospitals, we must do what we can to ensure the ground we’ve gained in the fight against Covid-19 is never lost.
The science of getting boosted
As of June 4, 2022, data from the DOH shows that more than 71 million Filipinos completed their primary Covid-19 doses since the government’s vaccination program began last March 2021. One year later, many Filipinos could have declining antibodies against the virus.
A recent study from the Providence Research Network confirms that vaccine protection against the virus substantially declines six months after the full primary doses.
The DOH has also expressed concern that there may be a surge of cases should Filipinos become more vulnerable due to declining immunity.
Boosters help the country stay ahead of possible threats that could increase the rate of Covid-19 transmission. They do so by training the body to continuously produce antibodies, thereby lessening the risk of hospitalization and death.
Data has shown that the current roster of first and second booster doses for eligible Filipinos are sufficient in continuing the chain of protection against the severe effects of Covid-19.
The best time to get boosted
Recently, the Inter-Agency Task Force against Covid-19 (IATF) and the Department of Tourism eased guidelines for fully vaccinated inbound travelers who have received at least one booster shot. For example, recent reports suggest that tourist arrivals have exceeded 517,000 by late May since we opened our borders last February.
This new protocol is also an example of the practical benefits and new opportunities for boosted individuals who seek to reboot their long-delayed travel plans. Boosted individuals can enjoy the freedom to travel with fewer requirements and restrictions, while also doing their part to keep themselves and their communities safe and protected.
With more people out and about, booster doses are crucial in sustaining protection against Covid-19. As more Filipinos get boosted, the more we can look forward to a more normal life, where we can interact with and embrace our loved ones without having to wear a mask or maintain social distancing.
This future is possible and within our reach.
Dr. Philip Nakpil, Medical Director, ZP Therapeutics Philippines