MANILA, Philippines – The administration of the second booster shots will start this April 25, nationwide.
As for the initial rollout of the fourth dose of Covid19 vaccines, only those who are immunocompromised aged 18 years old and above are qualified, as early as three months after their first booster shot.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the A3 category is given priority as of the moment because the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) has already completed its evaluation for the group to receive the second booster dose.
Vergeire also said that assessment by the HTAC for health workers and senior citizens will follow.
In an earlier press briefing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that included in the eligible people to receive the 2nd booster shot are patients with: cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, primary immunodeficiency, immunosuppressant medication, and chronic dialysis treatment.
Dr. Nina Gloriani, vaccine expert panel chairperson, said that those availing their second booster shot for the immunocompromised group need to present a medical certificate signifying they are cleared to receive the shot.
The approved vaccines for the second booster dose are: AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm, and Sinovac.