WHO backs vaccine booster for elderly, people with comorbidities

CEBU, Philippines — The World Health Organization (WHO) has agreed to give seniors and those with comorbidities an additional dose of vaccine against COVID-19.

It also supported the inoculation of children with comorbidities.

WHO Philippine representative, Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, said they are closing monitoring evidence worldwide before coming up with any recommendation.

“For people with immunocompromised conditions who have been not able to develop full immunity, WHO is supporting a third dose as an extended primary course,” said Abeyasinghe.

This, Abeyasinghe also said, WHO also recommends giving an additional dose to the elderly inoculated with Sinovac and Sinopharm with the same vaccine as third dose, provided that they have been vaccinated more than three months from the completion of their second dose.

WHO also backed the inclusion of the adolescent population who are immunocompromised.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that 99.85 percent of total vaccine doses administered had no untoward reactions.

Only 0.15 percent of total vaccine doses administered have untoward reactions to recipients. Most are mild only and resolve spontaneously.

In another development, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there is nothing to worry about the easing of travel of fully-vaccinated travelers from “Green countries,” saying risk involved is very minimal plus a negative RT-PCR test result is still required.

“Kaya nga po sila naging-green kasi napakababapo ang kaso ng Covid.Tapos meron pang PCR test. Kakaunti lang ang galing sa mga Green countries,” said Roque.

Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issued resolution 143 concerning this saying that foreign nationals just need a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.

Upon arrival, no facility-based quarantine will be further required but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth day with the first day being the date of arrival.

For Filipinos,  either of the following depending on the choice of the arriving international passenger: facility-based quarantine until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken in the quarantine facility upon arrival; or when a negative RT-PCR test was taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin, no facility-based quarantine shall be required but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth day with the first day being the date of arrival.

Roque said unvaccinated or partially vaccinated minors traveling with their fully vaccinated parents or guardians are mandated to observe the quarantine protocols corresponding to their vaccination status. — KQD (FREEMAN)