Expert advises adults to get booster shots ahead of in-person classes for kids

MANILA, Philippines — All adults should get their booster shots against COVID-19 as children are set to return to face-to-face classes this coming school year, a fellow from the independent pandemic monitor Octa Research Group said on Tuesday.

Providing an “immunity wall” around children, many of whom are still unvaccinated against COVID-19, is an important step to take, Fr. Nicanor Austriaco said.

He also said parents should encourage their children to vaccinate, especially vulnerable ones or those who are immunocompromised or have comorbidities.

“We need to encourage our parents to vaccinate their children, especially vulnerable children, but most importantly, all adults should be vaccinated and boosted,” he said in a Pandesal forum.

“This will provide an immunity wall around our children as they take the jeepney, they take the bus. They’re going to go to school, so they’re going to leave their house,” Austriaco added.

Getting boosted against COVID-19 will also protect adults with children who attend school.

“We will protect not just ourselves but especially provide immunity walls around our children,” Austriaco said.

Classes for the school year 2022-2023 will open on August 22 and schools are expected to implement full face-to-face classes by November 2.

Before the November deadline, schools can implement a hybrid setup first before transitioning to full in-person classes.

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