Noting that a lot of countries are now doing it, Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor is prodding the government to roll out a fourth dose or second booster shot of the Covid-19 vaccine to certain vulnerable sectors.
“The virus is still with us. Why should we give our supply away when we need it? Let’s give it to those who want it, as a booster or even as an additional booster or fourth Covid-19 shot, with senior citizens and those with comorbidity as our priority,” said Defensor.
He said many countries are giving a fourth shot to boost the protection of their vulnerable citizens against Covid-19.
The Quezon City mayoralty candidate noted that the Department of Health (DOH) panel of vaccine experts has recommended giving a fourth dose to elderly Filipinos and those with comorbidity or suffering from ailments.
Defensor urged the DOH and the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on pandemic response to approve the vaccine experts panel recommendation.
Citing DOH data, the congressman said that of the 64 million Filipinos fully vaccinated or those who have received their primary two-dose course, only 10.7 million have taken a third shot or first booster.
“This means that more than 53 million of those fully vaccinated are yet to get their booster dose. Let us encourage them to take it. Let us also allow those who had their protection already boosted to have another booster if they want to,” he said.
He added that according to official data, more than 232 million doses of various vaccines have already been delivered to the country.
“Clearly, we have enough supply even for a additional booster to the elderly and those with comorbidity or immunocompromised,” Defensor stressed.