The second booster shot of Covid-19 vaccine is not yet recommended for the general population, the Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public anew.
"Kami ay paulit-ulit na nagpapaalala sa local governments pati na rin sa ating mga kababayan. Ito pong fourth dose o yung second booster shot for the general population hindi pa po tayo nakakakumpleto ng ebidensya (We have repeatedly reminded local governments as well as our citizens. We have yet to complete the evidence of giving a fourth dose or the second booster shot for the general population)," said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in a public briefing on Saturday, June 11.
Vergeire said that the first booster shot still gives enough protection for the general population.
"Huwag po tayong mainip dahil ito pong ating third dose o yung ating first booster shot hanggang sa ngayon, according to our experts still works for us (Be patient because according to our experts, the third dose or our first booster shot still works for us so far)," she said.
The DOH spokesperson said that additional evidence is needed in order to include the general population in the second Covid-19 booster shot program.
"May ebidensya din na yung benepisyo niya ay hindi ganoon kalaki to outweigh the risk of being vaccinated. Kaya ang gusto natin, magantay pa tayo ng further na ebidensya para tayo ay makasiguro (There are some evidence showing that benefits are still not sufficient to outweigh the risk of being vaccinated. So what we want is for us to wait for further evidence so that we can be sure)," said Vergeire.
Under the current guidelines, only healthcare workers, senior citizens, and immunocompromised individuals are allowed to receive the second Covid-19 booster shot.
More than 500,000 individuals have been vaccinated with their second booster shot as of June 9, the DOH said.