Manila starts second booster jabs

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city government will roll out today the second booster shots for immunocompromised individuals in barangay health centers, hospitals and malls.

In a Facebook post yesterday, the city public information office said vaccination for second booster shots would be held in 44 health centers, six district hospitals and four malls in Manila.

Among those eligible for a second booster are people living with HIV and with active cancer or malignancy.

People who underwent organ transplant and who are undergoing steroid treatment are also qualified for the second booster jab.

Bedridden patients or those with poor prognosis are also eligible.

They are advised to bring valid identification cards, vaccination IDs and medical clearances.

In San Juan, Mayor Francis Zamora will lead today the rollout of second booster shots for immunocompromised residents on the third floor of Virra Mall in Greenhills.

Eligible individuals should be 18 years old and above and have received their first COVID-19 booster shot at least three months ago.

Zamora said those qualified for second booster shots may choose the brand they prefer, depending on the availability of the vaccines.

“We welcome this development in our fight against COVID-19. We may have eased our restrictions but we must remain vigilant to avoid another surge,” he said. “We know that the vaccine efficacy wanes after several months so getting the second booster is necessary.”

In Parañaque, the city government said it would intensify its booster program against COVID-19.

Only about 40 percent of the city’s population received first booster shots.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the local government would bring the booster shots to communities.

“We will conduct booster vaccinations at home for senior citizens,” he said.

As of Sunday, the city had posted six active COVID cases. – Ralph Edwin Villanueva, Jose Rodel Clapano