DOH reviews inclusion of booster shot in primary vaxxing series

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is reviewing the proposal to include COVID-19 booster shots as part of the primary vaccination series.

“Kasalukuyan tayong nagrereview kung pwede nang i-include ang booster ang third dose as part of primary series. Para makapasok sa mga offices, sa mga work stations, we may encourage the need for a booster dose,” Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

(We are currently reviewing if we can include booster or third dose in the primary series. We may encourage the need for a booster dose in going to offices.)

“Baka kailangan ng booster card. In the next two to three weeks tingnan natin kung ano ang pwede pa natin isagawa para makumbise ang ating mga mamamayan na magkaroon ng booster doses,” she added.

(There may be a need for a booster card. In the next two to three weeks, we will see what we can do to convince the people to get booster doses.)

Cabotaje also said the government is reviewing the proposal of presidential adviser on entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion to require COVID-19 booster cards when entering enclosed establishments.

“Pinag-aaralan natin ‘yan (We are studying that). We recognize that boosters are very important,” she noted.

Concepcion earlier urged the government to require COVID-19 booster cards in enclosed spaces starting June, to give people enough time to get the additional vaccine dose.

/MUF