Individuals with comorbidities should also be given a second Covid-19 booster shot since they are also highly vulnerable to the viral disease, an infectious disease expert said.

“Titingnan natin na sana ay ma-include na rin ang population na with comorbidities. Dahil doon sa mga data, nakikita natin na kapag mayroon kang comorbidity and you’ll get the Covid infection, iyong risk ng severe infection and even mortality is also high in this vulnerable population (Let's see if those with comorbidities can be included. Data shows that when you have a comorbidity and you’ll get the Covid infection—the risk of severe infection and even mortality is also high in this vulnerable population),” said Dr. Rontgene Solante, head of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine unit of the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila.

“Sana ma-extend doon sa may mga comorbidities itong second booster na binibigay na natin ngayon (I hope this second booster that we are giving now can also be extended to those with comorbidities),” he added.

Last April, the government started its Covid-19 second booster shot program initially for immunocompromised individuals.

Among the eligible immunocompromised persons include those who have cancer, HIV/AIDS patients, recipients of organ transplants, undergoing steroid treatment, patients with poor prognosis/ bed-ridden, and other conditions of immunodeficiency as certified by a physician.

Last month, the government announced that senior citizens and frontline health workers may now avail of a second booster shot.