Duterte will defer to doctor's advice on COVID-19 booster shot, says Nograles
The decision of President Duterte on whether he will take a booster shot against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) depends on his physician’s advice, Malacañang said on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

In his virtual media briefing, Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said the Chief Executive is waiting for medical advice if he will get a COVID-19 booster shot.
“Kung tatanggap ba siya o isasapubliko ba ang (Whether he will take or make it public the) additional o booster shots, that’s actually between the President and his personal physician,” Nograles said.
“So, abangan na lang natin po kung ano ang magiging (let us just wait what will be the) advice ng kanyang (of his) personal physician,” the Palace official added.
On Monday, Nov. 22, the national government has started the administration of booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines to senior citizens and select individuals with comorbidities.
READ: Gov’t kicks off booster vaccination of senior citizens, immunocompromised
Prior to this, health workers have received their booster shots since last week to protect them from the deadly virus.
There are 8.2 million senior citizens and 8.4 million individuals with comorbidities who will be targeted to be vaccinated with COVID-19 booster shots within this year.
Last May 3, Dutere received his first dose of Sinopharm vaccine administered by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
READ: Duterte receives Sinopharm vaccine
At that time, Sinopharm had no emergency use authorization, but it was only given a compassionate special permit for use for the Presidential Security Group.
The President received the second shot of the Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine on July 12, two months after he got the first dose.