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Expert told public not to hurry to get 3rd Covid vax dose

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

June 25, 2021, 7:57 pm

<p style="text-align: left;">Vaccine Expert Panel member Dr. Rontgene Solante<em> (Screengrab from Zoom meeting)</em></p>

Vaccine Expert Panel member Dr. Rontgene Solante (Screengrab from Zoom meeting)

MANILA – A vaccine expert on Friday advised the public “not to hurry” to get a third dose or the second platform of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine amid a limited supply of jabs in the country.

In an online media health department forum, Vaccine Expert Panel member Dr. Rontgene Solante urged the public to wait for an official recommendation for booster Covid-19 shots.

Earlier, the United States was reported to be preparing for a possible need for a booster shot nine to 12 weeks after an individual gets fully vaccinated.

This, after initial studies have shown that Moderna and Pfizer jabs retain their effectiveness only for six months.

Solante stressed the goal of the government’s vaccination drive is to fully inoculate as many Filipinos as possible to achieve population protection against new and more transmissible variants of coronavirus.

“That’s the importance of vaccine equity, for us to move on with this pandemic. Let’s first ensure everyone is vaccinated rather than thinking of getting the second platform of a vaccine because I can afford [it],” he said.

Concerning protection against the highly transmissible Delta variant, Solante said strict implementation of border control measures and quarantine protocols must be observed.

According to the report of the National Task Force Against Covid-19, as of June 23, a total of 8,928,249 vaccine doses were administered.

Of this number 2,246,897 have been fully vaccinated and 6,253,400 have received their first dose.

A total of 1,067,630 health care workers have completed two doses while 1,569,561 have received their first dose.

Some 553 527 senior citizens are fully vaccinated while 2,001,758 have been inoculated with the first dose.

For persons with comorbidities, 2,088,000 got a single dose while 524,699 already completed two doses.

About 526,896 essential sector workers received their first shot while 8,086 have been fully vaccinated.

Moreover, some 67,185 indigent Filipinos have received their first Covid-19 jab. (PNA)

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