DOH, DOST to study use of COVID-19 booster shots

DOH Undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are discussing the possibility of using an anti-COVID-19 booster shot for fully vaccinated individuals to strengthen an individual’s immunity against coronavirus.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the DOH, the DOST, and the Vaccine Expert Panel have held several meetings for the conduct of such a study, which will also tackle the “mixing and matching” of COVID-19 vaccine brands for two doses.

“The proponent of this trial already presented to us their protocol and dito ay pag-aaralan itong mix and match kung saan pwedeng magbakuna ng (here we will also study the mix and match of vaccines wherein you can administer) another brand aside from the initial brand that you were given,” she said in an online press briefing.

“Kasama rin sa pag-aaral na ito ang pagbibigay ng (Also included in this study is the provision of) additional shot which is a different brand from those who have completed two doses already,” she added.

Vergeire said the two departments are currently looking for funds for the conduct of clinical trials for the proposal.

To recall, the DOH earlier said it was studying the possibility of mixing different brands for two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration said the DOH was drafting guidelines for this matter.

The DOH also earlier noted that more evidence is necessary to determine if a third COVID-19 vaccine shot will be needed within a year of getting fully vaccinated.

The health department made this statement after Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in an interview with CNBC that people will “likely” need a third or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of getting fully vaccinated.

JPV