Marcos agrees to require 1st booster vs. COVID-19 for full vaccination

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has agreed with the proposal of the Department of Health (DOH) to require the first booster dose against COVID-19 before an individual could be deemed fully vaccinated against the disease.

According to a report on “24 Oras”, the measure was taken up in Marcos' meeting with officials from the DOH, the Inter-agency Task Force Against Emerging Infectious Diseases, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

The additional requirement aims to raise the level of protection of an individual against the viral disease.

It is also part of the national government’s plan in preparation for the return of 100% face-to-face classes in schools by November.

At present, only two primary doses are needed for an individual to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

GMA News Online has reached out to officials of the Palace and the DOH for more details about the first booster dose being a requirement. 

Meanwhile, the DOH earlier announced that adolescents aged 12 to 17 may already receive their booster shot against the viral disease. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA News