When to get boosters after positive COVID test

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday issued a checklist for the public to know when to get a booster shot after testing positive for the new coronavirus.

In an advisory, the DOH encouraged fully vaccinated individuals, particularly those who have just recovered from COVID-19, to get booster shots given the recent rise in virus transmission in the country.

Those who had COVID-19 or experienced flu-like symptoms may get their boosters if they have finished their prescribed isolation period, the health department said.

Individuals who just recovered from the infection and had no fever for the last 24 hours even without taking antipyretics or fever medications may also get booster shots, it said.

COVID-19 survivors whose respiratory symptoms have improved are also eligible for boosters, the DOH said.

Individuals who just had a bout with COVID-19 may also get boosted if it has already been three months since their second dose of AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac or Sputnik; or two months from a single dose of Janssen.

“If you have checked all of these points, you are good to go! Now, go get the jab done,” the DOH said in its advisory.

There are already 55.19 million individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country, while 4.91 million people have received their booster shots, according to DOH data.