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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider OCTA warns spike in infections amid concerns over waning vaccine efficacy

OCTA warns spike in infections amid concerns over waning vaccine efficacy

Published Nov 4, 2021 02:11 pm

The OCTA Research group on Thursday, Nov. 4, expressed concern over the waning efficacy of vaccines against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which may result to a resurgence of infections.

Teenagers accompanied by their parents get inoculated against COVID-19 at the Lakeshore in Taguig City on Nov. 2, 2021. (Photo by Ali Vicoy)

In a virtual forum, OCTA fellow Professor Guido David cited a “theory” saying that some countries experienced an increase in the number of new cases due to the decreasing efficacy of the vaccines.

“There is one, I would say, a small concern that we see in other countries. It’s the waning of the vaccine efficacy after a period of six to nine months, and there is a theory that the reason why there are spikes in some countries...after six months is because of the waning efficacy,” David said.

“This means that once the vaccines start losing their effectiveness, we might see more outbreaks. That is possible. That is why we support having the booster shots even before it happens,” he added.

The expert underscored the need to administer booster shots to those who were first to get the vaccine.

The Philippines kicked off its vaccination program against COVID-19 back in March this year, inoculating first the healthcare workers, senior citizens, and individuals with comorbidities.

“If we have booster shots around this time up to early next year, we could help prevent these spikes in cases,” David said.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recently approved the recommendation to administer booster shots to healthcare workers and senior citizens at least six months after full vaccination.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr said the government targets to start administering booster shots this month.

Related Tags

efficacy covid-19 OCTA Research guido david vaccine
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