Rollout of 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose for vulnerable population may start at last week of April

MANILA, Philippines — The rollout of the fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot for the vulnerable population may start by the last week of April, the chairperson of the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) said Saturday.

NVOC chairperson and Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said they are just awaiting the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the application submitted by the Department of Health to amend the emergency use authorization of COVID-19 vaccines, which seeks to allow the fourth dose vaccination for vulnerable sectors.

She said health experts are currently drafting the guidelines for the fourth vaccine shot.

“Uumpisahan na ito kapag na-approve ang EUA at ‘yung guidelines, so tinatantsa natin mga last week of April baka pwede nating simulan ito,” she said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

(We will start the rollout once the EUA and guidelines are approved. We may be able to start by the last week of April.)

“Hinahanda na po natin ang ating mga guidelines. Patuloy na nakikipagtalastasan tayo sa mga eksperto. Inirerekomenda sa mga high-risk o vulnerable groups… ‘yung ating A1—‘yung workers, ‘yung ating frontline services—‘yung ating seniors, at immunocompromised individuals,” she added.

The country’s vaccine experts panel earlier recommended administering a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose to senior citizens and persons with comorbidities to boost their protection against the severe form of COVID-19.

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