A vaccine expert warned the public anew of breakthrough Covid-19 infections amid the threat of waning vaccine immunity and increasing complacency against the disease.

Breakthrough Covid-19 cases refer to those individuals who still contract the virus despite having been fully vaccinated against the disease.

Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) Chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani, on Thursday, Oct. 6, said factors like complacency and waning immunity may trigger the occurrence of breakthrough Covid-19 cases in the country.

“Waning immunity, increased mobility, tapos ito nga’t magpapasko, maraming lumalabas at namimili. Sinabi na natin ‘yan na kapag bumaba na ang antibodies ay magkakaroon na ulit ng possible breakthrough infections (Waning immunity, increased mobility, and now the Christmas season is approaching many people are going out to shop. We have already warned of possible breakthrough infections when the antibodies drop),” said Gloriani in a “Laging Handa” public briefing.

The expert then stressed the role of booster shots in order to increase one’s protection against Covid-19. Boosters, also known as the third and fourth vaccine shots, are administered to a vaccinated population with the objective of “restoring vaccine effectiveness” given the progressive loss of antibodies provided by the primary shots.

Despite the call for an “extensive vaccination” the country’s booster rate remained low at 19,900,786 as of Tuesday, Oct. 4.

“About a month or two ago, 24 percent na ang nabigyan ng booster e ngayon ay nasa 25 percent, ang itinaas nito ay kaunting kaunti lang. Importante na maintindihan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na yung mga may edad at may sakit, na ang booster ay nagpapataas ng proteksyon especially sa mga variants na umiikot sa ngayon (About a month or two ago, about 24 percent was given a booster and now it is at 25 percent. The increase was not that high. It is important for the public to understand, especially those who are of old age and with comorbidity, that the booster increases protection especially against the variants that are circulating now),” Gloriani added

Individuals who contract breakthrough infections can still spread the virus to other people. This, according to Gloriani, is one of the reasons why the public should still adhere to health protocols such as properly wearing of masks and observance of physical distancing despite the easing of the country’s health measures.

“Importante na ituloy natin . Magtatagal pa ang virus na ito. Although nakikita natin na mild , sa ibang mga matatanda ay hindi ito mild (It is important that we continue following the minimum public health standards. This virus will last long. Although we see that it is mild in most, in other adults it is not mild),” she furthered.