COVID-19 Booster Shots in the Philippines: 7 Facts and Addressing Misconceptions

The cases of COVID-19 infections in the Philippines have dipped since local government units started to roll out the vaccines necessary to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Few months after getting their vaccine jabs, Filipinos are asked to return once more for boosters

Time and time again, health experts have been keen on reminding civilians to keep themselves protected against COVID-19. One of the best things to do is get jabs of vaccines that help defend bodies against the deadly and contagious disease.

Months after the initial vaccination roll out, local government units (LGUs) have announced that they are now giving away booster shots for citizens who wish to get an extra layer of protection against COVID-19.

Tatler has debunked some booster myths below:

1. You must pay for the vaccine

Above Booster shots provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 (Photo: Mika Baumeister/Unsplash)

The vaccine is free for everyone in the Philippines. In November, the government has already started giving boosters to medical workers, senior citizens, and people with weakened immune systems. Last December 2, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that LGUs can now offer COVID-19 jabs to all fully-vaccinated adults aged 18 years old and above.

2. Risky to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time

Above (Photo: Jeremy Bezanger/Unsplash)

People who wish to take their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time may do so according to OSF Healthcare pharmacy manager Brian Laird, RPH, PharmD. “When it first came out, we recommended waiting two weeks between vaccines, explained Laird.

“The thought behind separating the vaccines was to spread out any possible side effects, like fatigue, soreness from the injection or fever, and to make sure there was no concern with COVID vaccine effectiveness. However, we now suggest that if it makes it easier for you, get them done at the same time," he stressed.

3. Vaccines can't protect you against Omicron

Above The Omicron is a more infectious strain of COVID-19 (Photo: Jeremy Bezanger/Unsplash)

The report released by the WHO revealed that the Omicron has a concerning number of mutations. Preliminary studies said that the risk of reinfection with this variant is higher compared to other variants of concern. Some laboratories have even indicated that for one widely used PCR test, one of the three target genes is not detected.

According to medical scientists, boosters have the ability to restore antibody levels to their peak values.

4. You can get your booster shot immediately after completing your first vaccine

Above (Photo: Myriam Zilles/Unsplash)

People will have to wait several months before getting their booster shots. Those who were injected with AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac, or Sputnik vaccine will need three months.

“Following the amended Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccine boosters, the Department of Health would like to inform the public that all adults (ages 18 and above) are now eligible to receive a single-dose booster of COVID-19 vaccine at least three months after the second dose of AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac, or Sputnik vaccine, or at least two months after Janssen effective 22 December 2021,” the DOH said.

5. No more side effects

Above Patients who received a jab of COVID-19 booster may still experience flu-like side effects (Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya/Unsplash)

Just like the initial shots of COVID-19 vaccines, people may experience side effects from vaccines. While experiences vary, the most common ones include flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and joint pains.

6. You can only get booster shots from the brand where you got your first vaccine

Above (Photo: Spencer Davis/Unsplash)

There are varying brands that people may take for boosters depending on the initial vaccines they have taken respectively. We have enumerated them below:

Sinovac

AstraZeneca
Pfizer
Moderna (half dose)

AstraZeneca

Pfizer
Moderna (half dose)

Pfizer

AstraZeneca
Moderna (half dose)

Moderna

AstraZeneca
Pfizer

7. It's unnecessary to get booster shots

Above The World Health Organisation (WHO) encourages people to take their booster shots against COVID-19 (Photo: Marisol Benitez/Unsplash)

Booster shots are necessary to boost the body's immunity against COVID-19. The Health Agency has been urging front-liners and even teenagers between 16 to 17 years old to receive their vaccines.

“Protecting our health through vaccination will increase our confidence to go out and see our loved ones this Christmas, as well as ensure a safe return to work. So we encourage every eligible individual, especially our grandparents and our loved ones who have underlying medical conditions who are not yet vaccinated, to take advantage of these National Vaccination Days and get your jabs done,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

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Topics

Coronavirus Vaccines

Tatler Asia

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