WITH booster shots now allowed for all adults aged 18 years old and above, the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, December 3, 2021, reminded the public as well as local government units (LGUs) to strictly observe the required intervals between the primary series and additional doses for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In a virtual press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said all vaccination sites must adhere to the guidelines of booster shot administration.

"That condition (on intervals) is the first condition we need to follow in getting booster shots. That is very clear," said Vergeire.

She said LGUs must also consider the potential adverse effects of giving booster shots in advance, or earlier than the required interval.

"We need to stop this practice because we don't know if it will have a different reaction to the vaccinees if we give it outside the guidelines," said Vergeire.

Under the guidelines, the DOH said those that got Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac, Sputnik V, and AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines may get their booster or additional shots at least six months after completion of the primary dose series.

Those that received Janssen doses for their primary vaccines may get inoculation with booster or additional shots at least three months after completion of the primary dose series.

On Thursday, the DOH announced that all adults aged 18 years and above may already get their booster shots. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)