Booster shots to be administered soon

Booster, or an additional shot against Covid-19 may be administered as it is approved by the Health Secretary Francisco Duque with recommendation from the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC).

This was discussed by City Health Services Office head Dr. Rowena Galpo during the city executives’ management committee meeting last Tuesday with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, City Administrator Engr. Bonifacio Dela Pena and other personnel.

As to reports, a booster shot may be administered for the elderly, those younger but with comorbidity, or those in danger of being exposed to the virus, or to those with constant risk of transmission from other sources.

According to Dr. Galpo, the city has sufficient vaccine supply, and of the preferred vaccine brand booster shots; Pfizer and Moderna.

An acceptable coverage of the A2 (Senior citizen) population has already been reached, Dr. Galpo said. Normally, booster shots are administered once a fifty percent (50%) of A2 is reached. In our case, we are already on the 90% threshold, Dr. Galpo confirmed.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that health workers (A1) could be given booster shots before the year ends, while the elderlies are scheduled for next year.

As to the availability of vaccines, first and second doses for Sinovac, Astrazeneca, Moderna, Pfizer are ready for administration, while there are only 84 second doses for Gamaleya.

There are extra doses of Astrazeneca, Pfizer and Moderna which were donated or meant for a specific group, Dr. Galpo clarified.

Vaccination goes on in fixed sites, for all barangays, needing only registration at bakuna.baguio.gov.ph, identification documents and medical certificates, as needed. — Julie G. Fianza