AN infectious disease expert advised the public not to take a fourth anti-COVID-19 vaccine dose.
During the Laging Handa public briefing, Dr. Edsel Salvaña said the effectivity of a fourth dose and possible side effects are still unsure..
He said further studies are still needed if a fourth dose is really needed.
Dr. Salvaña said studies are now being conducted about the so-called next-generation vaccines that will be more effective in the long term compared to a fourth dose.
What is important now, he said, is to first get the primary doses of the vaccine to acquire enough protection, while the booster dose will provide additional protection against severe COVID-19.
If ever there comes a point that evidence or basis is presented for a fourth dose, Dr. Salvaña said that this should be given to targeted sectors such as healthcare workers who are more exposed to the virus, to senior citizens and those with comorbidities.
As of now, Dr. Salvaña said there are no reports yet about individuals in the country who were administered with a fourth dose.