MANILA — The Department of Health announced Tuesday that it has approved a government panel’s recommendation for the administration of Covid-19 booster shots to children aged 12 to 17.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, Secretary Francisco Duque III has signed the recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council.
“Guidelines are being drafted already by the DOH,” Vergeire said.
Vaccine expert panel head Nina Gloriani stated in an interview with TeleRadyo that authorities are working on technicalities. She noted that boosters can be administered to the age group upon the issuance of guidelines.
The vaccination of children aged 12 to 17 against coronavirus in the Philippines started in October last year, a crucial step in the reopening of schools.
“Medyo may ilang buwan na rin na nabigay yung primary series nila. May waning immunity plus of course, may banta pa rin nung mga variants or subvariants of concern. And we want also na mag-normalize pati ang mga bata natin, mga anak natin, apo and so on,” Gloriani said.
According to Incoming Education Secretary Sara Duterte, also vice president-elect, they are planning to resume full in-person classes in August.
Based on the most recent government data, more than 70 million Filipinos have completed vaccination against COVID-19. However, only 14.85 million people have gotten booster shots.
Authorities have urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated as the country continues to see a surge in infections due to the presence of more transmissible Omicron subvariants, increased mobility, and diminishing vaccine immunity.
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