MANILA, Philippines — After health care workers and senior citizens, an infectious disease expert yesterday sought to expand the giving of a second booster COVID shot to persons with comorbidities.
Vaccine Expert Panel member Rontgene Solante yesterday said those with comorbidities have higher risk of contracting severe COVID infection and should be protected with a second booster.
“Because what we’ve seen is when you have comorbidity and you will get the COVID infection, the risk of severe infection and even mortality is also high in this vulnerable population,” he added.
With the onset of the rainy season, Solante also urged the public to get vaccinated against influenza.
“We don’t want people to get easily infected with influenza and at the same time also contract COVID,” Solante said.
He said cases of influenza usually go up from July to September.
Aside from getting vaccinated, Solante said the public must observe health protocols such as avoiding crowded and enclosed areas as a precaution against disease.