NVOC preparing for rollout of second booster shot in April

The National Vaccinations Operation Center (NVOC) is eyeing to provide the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccines or second booster shots to select groups by April.

According to NVOC Chairperson and Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, the inoculation of the fourth dose is targeted by the last week of April, focusing on frontliners, senior citizens, and the immunocompromised.

“Nag-apply na po ang DOH ng amendments sa EUA para sa mga piling bakuna na puwedeng ibigay pang fourth dose o second booster,” she said in Athena Imperial's report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

(The Department of Health has applied for amendments to the emergency use authorization given to certain brands that can be given as fourth dose or second booster.)

“Humihina na ang immunity lalong lalo na sa edad nila, humihina ang proteksyon, so kailangang palakasin ito sa pamamagitan ng additional shot,” she added.

(Immunity is weakening, especially among the elderly, so it needs to be strengthened with an additional shot.)

Cabotaje said the guidelines are already being finalized, encouraging the targeted groups to consult their physicians prior to availing of the second booster shot.

Philippine College of Chest Physicians President Dr. Imelda Mateo said the recommended interval between the first and the second booster shot is between one to three months, depending on the assessment of the doctor.

“Sabi po nila, a fourth dose of the same mRNA platform will offer 30% more protection against infection. For those who are immunocompromised, ibig sabihin [meaning] senior citizens and with comorbidities, [the] added 30% will matter,” she said.

President Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III last week flagged the low booster uptake in the country, adding that individuals should only be considered fully vaccinated if they have been given three doses.

Concepcion said that 73% of the country’s population have received two vaccine doses, but only 13% have received booster shots as of mid-March, citing data from the NVOC. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News