DOH: Experts still studying booster for those vaccinated with Sinopharm jab

MANILA, Philippines — Experts are still studying the appropriate booster shot for individuals inoculated with the Sinopharm vaccine, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.

DOH made the remark after Palace earlier disclosed that “it appears” that President Rodrigo Duterte, who was vaccinated with the Sinopharmjab, had received his booster shot.

During the briefing before the House committee on health on the COVID-19 situation, Pangasinan Rep. Rose Marie Arenas asked if there is an advisory for those who had the Sinopharm vaccine as their first and second dose.

DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said expert groups are still studying it since “there is no data available” regarding the matter.

“We are still studying our policy and our experts group are still looking ano po ang booster sa Sinopharm (what the booster shot is for Sinopharm),” Cabotaje said.

“There is not enough study because there is no data available elsewhere abroad, even from Sinopharm, ano ba ang magandang i-booster sa kanya. We are costantly asking our experts,” she added.

(There is not enough study because there is no data available elsewhere abroad, even from Sinopharm, on what is the appropriate booster shot for that.)

In his Talk to the People briefing on January 6, Duterte mentioned in passing that he has received his booster shot. The President received the Sinopharm vaccine for his initial vaccinations.

The following day, January 7, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said “it appears” that Duterte had already received his booster shot.

Asked about Duterte receiving his booster shot despite DOH’s latest pronouncement, Nograles on Tuesday, January 18, said: “That’s the advice of the doctor. So, it’s between him and the doctor.”

“Whereas, kung ano ‘yung booster for Sinopharm, again tulad ng sinabi ni Usec. Myrna Cabotaje, hinihingi pa po nila ang additional data from Sinopharm para makapagbigay po sila ng advise kung ano ‘yung maaaring booster shot for those who took Sinopharm,” Nograles said in a press briefing.

(Whereas, on the question of what the booster is for Sinopharm, like what Usec. Myrna Cabotaje said, they are asking for additional data from Sinopharm so that they can give an advisory on for the booster shot for those who took Sinopharm.)

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