THE Department of Health (DOH) announced Tuesday, July 5, 2022, that all adolescents aged 12 to 17 can now receive their booster shot against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“Pwede na magpa-booster dose ang mga edad 12-17 taong gulang,” it said in a Facebook post.
(Children ages 12 to 17 can now get their booster dose.)
On June 26, the government put on hold the administration of Covid-19 booster doses to non-immunocompromised adolescents aged 12 to 17 due to the conditions set by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC).
National Vaccination Operations Center Chairperson and Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said earlier that based on the recommendation of the HTAC, healthy teens may only be given booster doses if the booster coverage for senior citizens in their respective areas is already at 40 percent.
The National Government started the administration of booster doses to immunocompromised teens in hospitals on June 22.
On Tuesday, July 5, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said all local government units that have Covid-19 vaccine supplies can now administer the booster dose to non-immunocompromised adolescents aged 12 to 17.
Under the DOH guidelines, immunocompromised adolescents may get their booster doses 28 days after the second dose of their primary series.
Healthy adolescents, on the other hand, may have their booster doses three months after their final dose of the primary series.
The DOH reminded those who wish to get their booster doses to bring their vaccination card, valid ID or documents with photos, and a medical certificate for immunocompromised patients.
Parents or guardians have been advised to bring a document that will show their relationship with the child. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)