Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said that while he understands the opposition to the use of "booster cards" in public spaces, he believes that they can still be prioritized in areas that have a high rate of vaccination.

This, as he maintained that they are vital to further protecting the public against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement Saturday afternoon, Feb. 5,, Concepcion reckoned that the implementation of booster cards will inevitably happen as the government will want to maintain the population’s protection against viruses.

"I understand that some areas may be having logistical problems and it is quite unfair to require it of people who have no access to boosters yet,” he said.

However, he noted that areas where most of its population have already completed their primary series doses would b at risk if they do not start rolling out their booster shots soon.

It has been found that the efficacy of most COVID vaccines wane within four to six months after the second dose, making booster shots essential if population protection is to be maintained.

Concepcion said that the National Capital Region (NCR) should be first to roll out the booster card requirement. Other local government units (LGUs) can follow suit once they vaccinate the majority of their population.

"The booster card requirement makes sense in the NCR because they received their primary doses ahead of the rest of the Philippines," he said.

"However, they are also at higher risk from waning immunity and must be encouraged to get their booster shots right away," he said.

The Go Negosyo founder said that eventually, it will be up to the government's pandemic task force to give guidance as to how the booster card requirement would be implemented.

"But the reality is that the vaccine’s efficacy will wane and we don't want to risk seeing more cases that could easily have been prevented by encouraging people to get booster-ed," he said.

COVID vaccines are currently being given free of charge. But with vaccinations estimated to cost as much as P2,400 once they become commercially available, it is feared that booster shots may be out of the reach for ordinary Filipinos, thus making it harder to achieve immunity for the larger population.

Late last year, the Philippine government’s Vaccine Expert Panel said that frontliners, who were first vaccinated in March and April 2021, would be vulnerable by November and December as early data showed waning efficacy of the COVID-19 jab on the sixth month.

The government would later approve the shorter waiting period of three months for getting booster shots for persons who have completed their primary series dose.

Vaccination cards are currently being required for entry in public spaces where there is a higher risk of transmission.