Bivalent jabs to become 3rd booster for HCWs, seniors

MANILA, Philippines — The donated bivalent COVID-19 vaccines will be used as 3rd booster shots for health care workers and senior citizens in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

Based on the rollout guidelines of these newer generation vaccines, the DOH has mandated the use of the bivalent COVID-19 jabs as 3rd booster shots.

“COVID-19 bivalent vaccine shall be given as a 3rd booster dose for individuals aged 18 years old and above belonging to priority groups A1 (health care workers) and A2 (senior citizens),” the Department Memorandum, signed by DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, noted.

“The roll-out shall employ a phased approach to prioritize the protection of the health care workers and those belonging to the vulnerable population,” the DOH added.

It said that eligible to get the 3rd booster shots are those who got their 2nd booster dose at least four to six months ago.

Based on latest DOH data, there were already 674,471 health care workers that have been given 2nd booster shots. It also showed that 970,020 senior citizens were administered with 2nd booster shots.

Further, the DOH said the bivalent doses as 3rd booster shots shall be used in pilot sites selected in all regions, particularly in hospitals and/or health facilities, such as city health office and rural health units.

Earlier, the DOH said that delivery of around 391,000 doses of the bivalent vaccines in the country will be made at “the soonest possible time.”

With the expected arrival within this month of the bivalent vaccines donated by the still unidentified country, the health department urged health care workers and elderly to avail of the doses.

“Make sure that your protection is updated for you and your loved ones. Go to your local government unit to get the updated protection,” said the DOH.

As to expanding the coverage to other sectors, the health department said it will depend on the availability of stocks.

“Other population groups shall be made eligible, subject to availability of stocks and other changes in context, such as relevant regulatory authorization, technical recommendations, and executive directions,” the DOH noted.

It was only last April that the DOH allowed 2nd booster shots to the general population.