(REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — While experts in the country have not yet recommended COVID-19 booster shots, the government may consider it in 2022, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.
“Pinag-aaralan pa ‘yan kung kailangan ng booster although we are considering it in the 2022 budget. Wala pa kasing firm na recommendation ang ating mga all experts group,” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said in an online media forum.
(The need for booster doses is still being studied, although we are considering it in the 2022 budget. For now, there is no firm recommendation yet from the experts.)
“As of now, hindi pa nire-recommend ‘yung ating booster dose but in 2022 we may consider booster,” she added.
She said experts are studying what would constitute a booster shot — whether it will be the third dose of the same vaccine initially received by the individual or if a different brand is possible.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had said current data does not indicate the need for COVID-19 booster shots since many vulnerable people worldwide have yet to be fully vaccinated before high-income countries deploy boosters.