THE Department of Health (DOH) announced Friday that the agency is still in the middle of assessing its budget for the 2022 vaccination program and deliberating whether booster shots against COVID-19 would be included.
“We are still studying and finalizing the budget for the 2022 vaccination program. This will entail a budget for catch up vaccination, and booster shots if needed, and scoping of second generation vaccines,” DOH Undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire stated.
According to Vergeire, there exists considerations to weigh down the health department’s final decision on attributing a certain amount from their budget for booster shots.
The factors to be considered are as follows:
• Effectiveness and safety of the vaccine through real-world effectiveness studies, and the presence of Emergency Use Authorization or possibly a Certificate of Product Registration from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration;
• Real-world effectiveness and safety of giving boosters, its duration of immunity, and its effect on COVID-19 Variants of Concern; and
• Feasibility of implementation through logistical requirements, funding and supply negotiations.
The DOH undersecretary also shared that the agency does not suggest booster shots for the time being, recognizing that many Filipinos who are still lining up to get their first jab must be of utmost and initial priority.
“As of the moment, we do not recommend booster shots at this time as many Filipinos are yet to be vaccinated,” Vergeire emphasized.