The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public that the administration of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses is not yet open for the general population.
“ would like to remind the public that the general population is not yet eligible for booster vaccination,” the DOH said in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 18.
The booster vaccination program will be conducted in phases, the DOH said.
“The decision to offer booster doses to healthcare workers is still risk-based and its rollout to other priority groups will be implemented on a phased approach,” it said.
The DOH also reiterated that the administration of the primary vaccination dose series will be prioritized over booster doses.
“More than administering booster doses, it is still important to ensure that the eligible individuals, especially the senior citizens, those with comorbidities, and the indigent population, will receive their primary doses,” the DOH said.
On Nov. 17, the Philippines began the nationwide rollout of COVID-19 booster vaccination among healthcare workers or those under the A1 priority group.
The DOH said it is still drafting the guidelines for the administration of booster doses for senior citizens and select persons with comorbidities.