Amid concerns on waning immunity, the country’s Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) said that there is “no clear recommendation” yet when it comes to giving booster shots or a third shot of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine to specific sectors.
VEP Head Dr. Nina Gloriani, during the Laging Handa Public Briefing on Wednesday, Sept. 1., said the country’s All Experts’ Group is constantly monitoring what is happening worldwide, especially abroad.
The group, she added, is also updated when it comes to the data on waning immunity as cited in various studies produced by other countries.
“While we are working very closely on it, as of now, there is no very clear recommendation on what needs to be assessed or to be given the booster to,” Gloriani said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Gloriani pointed out that there are also many considerations when it comes to the concerns on waning immunity. She added that further assessment is also needed before giving booster shots to identified groups.
“Number one is epidemiology of the breakthrough cases, whether it is coming from healthcare workers or from other citizens,” she said. “Then, we also look at the disease severity,” she explained.
Gloriani said that recent data showed that those who had breakthrough infections can be classified mild to moderate. “Bihirang-bihira 'yung rate ng nagkaroon ng severe form or even hospitalization (The rate of severe form or even hospitalization is very rare),” she added.
If and when giving COVID-19 booster shots will be allowed in the country, Gloriani said that the priority will be given to those who belong to the “highest risk.” Gloriani explained that “there will be subgroup analysis” to identify the “groups with high risk.”
Meanwhile, Gloriani noted that the VEP is also looking forward to issuance of the guidelines in the administration of booster shots or third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to certain groups.
“We hope soon because we are already on the sixth month since we started vaccination,” she said.
Amid concerns on waning immunity, Gloriani reiterated that all COVID-19 vaccines are “equally effective” versus severe COVID-19 infection but it varies against mild and moderate COVID-19 cases.