The ongoing vaccination program in the country has helped increase the Filipino people’s immunity against serious illnesses from the virus. However, with the mutations of the virus and the differences in every person’s immune system, the vaccines are becoming less effective.
What are booster shots?
A vaccine booster shot is essentially an extra dose of vaccine that an individual receives. As viruses continue to mutate, vaccines show a decline in effectiveness. A booster shot, then, serves as an extra layer of protection.
The suggested booster shots are now believed to be needed to fight the more contagious variants of the coronavirus; this includes the alpha, beta, and delta variations.
A study conducted among medical personnels in eight locations across six states in the United States from December 2020 to August 14, 2021 showed that the delta variant has reduced vaccine effectiveness from 91% to 66%.
Experts, however, believe that the decline cannot solely be attributed to one factor alone since the lax on precautionary measures could have also been a contributor. With the rise of concerns and cases, experts continue to remind those who have been fully vaccinated that they are not fully immune to the virus and encourage them to keep their guards up.
Do vaccine boosters work?
Israel is the first country to have authorized vaccine booster shots to seniors and adults with weak immune systems.
When the delta variant reached Israel in June, it significantly increased their cases. To take action, Israel allowed the distribution of the third dose of Pfizer on July 30 to senior citizens. On August 19, they expanded the reach to 40-year-olds and above who have received their second dose at least 5 months prior.
After months and days of monitoring, Israeli scientists have claimed that the booster shot subsided the rate of transmission. A steady decline in the rate of the disease spread has been seen among senior citizens who have received their booster shots. While there is still a great number of active cases, the rate of infections and severe cases has decreased.
Mix and Match Vaccines
Cambodia and Chile have allowed the administration of a third dose of AstraZeneca to those who have received Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines. Since there are only a few clinical trials and data regarding the safety issue of mixing and matching vaccines, the Philippines has chosen not to adopt this until conclusive and strong data is established. Initial findings, however, have shown that mixing and matching vaccines can increase side effects.
Philippines’ Priority
The Philippines is experiencing one of the worst COVID outbreaks in Asia. The country has fully vaccinated around 13 million people, accounting for only 11.7% of the total population.
While other countries are already administering booster shots, the Philippines has yet to fully vaccinate the population. The Department of Health also continues to disapprove the booster shots because of the country’s unstable vaccine supply and the lack of conclusive evidence that would back the effects of the booster shots.
The MMDA also warned those who want to receive booster shots not to get it, or else they will be jailed. The Quezon City government has already filed complaints against two fully vaccinated individuals who received a booster shot.
While there are no plans for the distribution of booster shots this year, the Philippines has already allotted PHP 45.3 billion for it under the 2022 budget just in case the need for it arises.
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