BIVALENT COVID-19 vaccines will be used as third booster shots for healthcare workers, who are in the A1 priority list, and senior citizens (A2) based on guidelines issued by the Department of Health for the roll-out of bivalent jabs.
Eligible for the third booster shots are those who got their second booster dose at least four to six months ago.
The DOH said the third boosters using donated bivalent vaccines will be used in selected pilot sites in all regions, particularly in hospitals and/or health facilities, such as city health office and rural health units.
The country has been expecting the arrival of the bivalent vaccines to be donated by an unnamed country. Around 391,000 doses of the donated vaccines were supposed to arrive last month. After several delays, the DOH said the donation is expected at “the soonest possible time.”
The DOH urged healthcare workers and the elderly to get the third booster.
“Make sure that your protection is updated for you and your loved ones. Go to your local government unit to get the updated protection,” said the DOH.
Based on DOH data, 674,471 healthcare workers and 970,020 senior citizens have been given second booster shots.
As to whether the coverage will be expanded, the DOH said it will be dependent on the stock availability.
“Other population groups shall be made eligible, subject to availability of stocks and other changes in context, such as relevant regulatory authorization, technical recommendations, and executive directions,” said the DOH.
It was only in April when the DOH allowed the administration of second booster shots to the general population.
