All eligible Filipinos were encouraged by the Department of Health (DOH) to receive their Covid-19 vaccine booster shot amid growing concern about the Omicron BA.2.12 subvariant.
"Initial findings and data suggest that Omicron BA.2.12 spreads faster. There is currently no evidence that it can cause more severe disease," the DOH said in an advisory on Thursday, April 28.
"The DOH thus implores the public to get boosted ASAP (as soon as possible), as immunity is proven to wane over time. Further, all eligible immunocompromised individuals are likewise encouraged to already get their second booster or fourth dose," it added.
The Health department reminded the public not to be complacent at this point in time.
"Omicron BA.2.12 reminds us that the virus is still out there and cases can go up the moment we let our guard down," it said.
"Together, we can make the necessary steps in preventing further transmission of the Covid-19 virus through wearing your best-fitting mask, isolate when sick, double up protection through vaccination and boosters, and ensure good airflow," it added.
On Wednesday, April 27, the DOH confirmed the first Omicron BA.2.12 subvariant case in the Philippines, involving a 52-year-old Finnish woman who arrived in the country last April 2.
READ STORIES:
DOH: BA.2.12 subvariant 2.5 times more transmissible than original Omicron variant
DOH confirms first case of Omicron subvariant BA.2.12 in PH
DOH identifies 44 close contacts of PH's first BA.2.12 Omicron case