The Makati City local government announced on Thursday, July 28, the start of its 2nd Covid-19 booster shot administration for individuals aged 18-49 with commorbidities and the general population 50 years old and above as the country sees an increase in Covid-19 cases brought about by the more transmissible Omicron variants.

The city government made the announcement on its official Facebook page as it reminded those who will get the 2nd booster shot to make sure that they have received their Covid-19 shots at least four months after their first booster shot and must have received other vaccinations at least two weeks before receiving their second booster shot.

It also reminded the vaccinees to bring their vaccination card, valid ID, and other necessary documents for vaccination, especially for persons with comorbidities.

"Samantala, nagpapatuloy pa rin ang pagbibigay ng 2nd booster para sa A1 (Medical frontliners), A2 (Seniors) at A3 (Immunocompromised) categories (Meanwhile, the city continues to administer 2nd booster jabs for medical frontliners, seniors, and immunocompromised categories)," the city government added.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the initiative to administer the 2nd booster jabs for these categories is based on the recommendations of the Health Technology Assessment Council to the agency.

It added that only Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be used and will be given fourth months after their first booster or third dose of the vaccine

“As vaccine immunity wanes over time, we are dedicated to helping our people remain protected against COVID-19. We are making it easier for as many of our people to avail of the primary series and boosters – including second boosters,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

On February 28, the city government announced that it is now closing vaccination sites in schools and transferring them to barangay health centers.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said the decision to close down the vaccination sites in schools was made as the city prepares for face-to-face classes under the new normal.

Binay said schools must be properly prepared and modified to adhere to the public health and safety protocols and ensure the safety of students and faculty members once face-to-face classes commence.

She added that the city government continues to boost the inoculation capacity of barangay health centers due to the city’s high vaccination rate. Transferring the vaccination sites to barangay health centers will also help those who are incapable of traveling to other Bakuna Makati sites such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD).

A total of 508,015 individuals have received their first dose of the vaccine while 530,318 have been fully vaccinated in the city as of July 26.

As of July 27, the Makati Health Department (MHD) has recorded 257 active cases in the city. It also tallied 55,293 recoveries and 1,027 deaths.