The vaccine expert panel’s decision on the recommendation to shorten the gap between the second COVID-19 vaccine dose and booster shot is expected next week, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday.
“We will see by next week. What is important is the primary series,” Duque said.
Presidential Adviser Joey Concepcion and OCTA Research Fellow Fr. Nicanor Austriaco had noted the possible need for booster doses four months after the second dose, instead of the currently recommended six months.
Citing what they called “significant” data, the two said that acquired immunity from COVID-19 vaccines significantly decreased at around five months or sooner depending on the vaccine brand.
Austriaco added the Philippines already had enough vaccines for a booster campaign.
Their call came as the country confirmed two omicron COVID-19 cases involving international travelers.
The World Health Organization earlier said Omicron was spreading faster than the Delta variant, while early evidence suggested the new strain caused “a reduction in vaccine efficacy against infection and transmission.”
While efforts to curb the transmission of omicron are underway, the WHO urged the Philippines to focus on the administration of the primary COVID vaccine series to more people.
Getting as many people fully vaccinated as soon as possible is still the best thing to do, said WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe.
“The evidence we have at this point is that a full dose of vaccines protects people from severe disease and death. Even in the case of omicron, that is what we know as yet, but may change later,” Abeyasinghe added.
He warned, however, that breakthrough infections caused by omicron may still happen in fully vaccinated individuals, but maintained that protection against severe disease through the primary series remains top priority.
“That is not a big concern for us. Our big concern is that we protect the vulnerable people who will get severe disease. That is why we are advocating to vaccinate as many people who have had zero doses as a priority and then also provide added protection to adults, by prioritizing the immunocompromised and the elderly,” Abeyasinghe said.