Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there have only been 5.89 daily attack rate cases for every 100,000 individuals while the growth rate of the virus is at -48% in the Philippines.
In a statement, Vergeire said the health capacity is at moderate risk, which includes bed utilization and intensive care unit (ICU) utilization.
Different regions are in moderate risk level namely: Metro Manila, Region 2, Region 9, CAR, Region 4B, and Region 1.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III approved the recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) to give booster shots to the priority groups.
In a letter to Duque, HTAC recommended prioritizing the vaccination of healthcare workers in the remaining months of the year followed by the seniors, persons with comorbidity, front-liners in essential sectors, the indigent population, and the rest of the population.
What’s the difference between a booster shot to an additional shot?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a booster shot is given to anyone who finished their first and second dose of vaccine and it depends on the brand. Additional doses are given to a target population who need to strengthen their immune response to be effective against Covid–19.
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. announce the giving of booster shots to health workers in November and to the immune compromise and senior citizens who receive d their vaccines in March-May of this year.
According to Galvez, there is a need to amend the emergency use authorization (EUA) in order to use the vaccines for the third dose.
(with Christhel Cuazon)
