SENIOR citizens (Priority Group A2) and frontline health workers (Priority Group A1) may now avail themselves of second booster shots against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In a statement, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that it has already released the Interim Operational Guidelines on the Administration of 2nd Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Doses to Senior Citizens and Frontline Healthcare Workers.

"The second booster for our health workers and senior citizens will enhance protection given by the first booster and the primary series against all variants, including the recent Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1," said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

"After careful study and consideration of the best available evidence, we shall now roll out effective immediately the second booster for our frontline health workers and senior citizens," said Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje.

Approved to be used as second booster shots are the Covid-19 vaccines of Moderna and Pfizer.

Under the guidelines, the administration of the second booster doses for individuals 18 years old and above belonging to Priority Group A1: Workers in Essential Health Services, and all individuals 60 years old and above (Priority Group A2: Senior Citizens) are eligible to get 2nd booster shots.

They can be given at least four months after the administration of the first booster shot.

The administration of second booster doses to eligible individuals shall be implemented simultaneously nationwide, but depending on the readiness of the vaccination sites.

The DOH said the documents needed are their vaccination card showing the date of the first booster dose, and any valid government issued IDs.

Earlier, the Food and Drug Administration granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the second booster shots, while the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) has issued a positive recommendation. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)