The country’s exposure from COVID-19 has reduced with the onset of COVID-19 vaccinations. This is evident considering that Metro Manila’s risk classification was lowered into Alert Level 2. Hence, business and commercial establishments have returned into operations at a certain percentage. Now that the country is channeling into new normal, most people are now asking whether booster shots or third doses are necessary for an optimum health protection. Likewise, this inquiry would eventually be a question for the full operations of the whole economic landscape in the Philippines.
Difference between a Booster Shot and Third Dose
It is significant to note that booster shots and third doses do not mean the same thing albeit most people using them interchangeably.
The difference between a booster shot and the third dose is clearly identified in the interim statement published by the World Health Organization.
When a vaccinated population has completed a main vaccination series (currently one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccine depending on the product), booster doses are given when immunity and clinical protection in that population has fallen below a rate assessed sufficient over time. The goal of a booster dosage is to restore vaccination efficacy when it has been determined that it is no longer adequate.
On Additional Vaccine Doses
For target groups where the immune response rate following the conventional main series is judged inadequate, additional vaccine doses may be required as part of an extended primary series. The goal of an extra dosage in the main series is to optimize or improve the immune response. Likewise, this is in order to achieve a high level of disease resistance. Immunocompromised persons, in particular, frequently fail to establish a protective immune response. This is following a typical primary series, but older adults may also react poorly.
Therefore, a booster shot is working on restoring the vaccine effectiveness that was not successfully catered by the primary series of vaccine. One factor used to assess if a booster dosage is required will be whether there is evidence of “insufficient protection” against COVID-19-related hospitalization, serious illness, and mortality.
The primary vaccines are those COVID-19 vaccines that health professionals administered to the public earlier this month. Some primary vaccines include a two-dose series while a few include a one-dose series.
On the other hand, third dose is part of the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines. WHO explains that the “the goal of an extra dosage in the primary series is to optimize. Specifically, to improve the immune response in order to achieve a high degree of disease efficacy.”
Are Booster Shots Necessary?
Last October 11, the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) released their recommendations regarding vaccine strategies and implementation. This recommendation focuses on Boosters and Additional Doses.
In the 4th quarter of 2021, healthcare workers will be able to receive booster shots. For 2022, booster shots will be for the eligible priority groups.
Along the booster shots, third doses are on its way for the immunocompromised individuals this 2021 and 2022.
Nonetheless, HTAC clarified that these recommendations are only in actuality upon the sufficient availability of the vaccine supply. Other considerations regarding the booster shot and third dose implementation are as follows:
1. Effectiveness against Variants of Concern (i.e. Delta Variant)
2. Delivery, Logistics, and Supply
3. Costing
4. Flexibility towards Homologous and Heterologous Vaccine Strategy
Booster Shots for the Priority Groups
6 months after the primary series of vaccination, A1 (Healthcare Workers) and A2 (Elderly) priority groups will receive booster vaccination in the last quarter of 2021. However, this will be for implementation once vaccine supply and primary vaccine coverage are enough.
Moreover, booster shots will be available in all priority groups (A1 – A5) in 2022 once 50% of each priority population as well as 70% of the population in the hotspot regions received inoculation.
According to HTAC, setting the limit for primary series vaccine coverage will reduce the existing inequities in terms of vaccine supply.
Suggested Read: COVID-19 Vaccine: Resetting the World with One Jab
Third Dose for the Immunocompromised
Compared with the other priority groups, persons with comorbidities will receive a third dose instead of a booster shot. Subsequently, this is in order to improve their immune response against COVID-19. In addition, health professional will offer the third dose at least 28 days after completion. The completion is from the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. In addition, there are vaccine strategies in accordance to HTAC. You can see them and the other considerations regarding third doses here.
Experience a Healthy Condo Community at Camella Manors
Do you agree that safety is a shared responsibility?
In order to keep the condo community safe and healthy, one must do their part primarily in ensuring that he or she received inoculation while he or she is observing public health protocols.
Although the national government has given their go signal for the return of business and commercial operations, still it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the virus from spreading. Consequently, it will keep harboring another wave of creation and transmission of COVID-19 variants.
What better way to keep the condo community at Camella Manors healthy?
First, everyone should properly wear their face masks at all times as well as observing a social distance. Second, one should follow the health regulations set by the property management, especially with the use of the condo amenities. It will keep you and the other residents from the hassle of any risks and dangers at the end. Finally, taking part of the local vaccination drive and ensuring completion of vaccine doses are really helpful. Particularly, it is helpful in sustaining a peaceful and healthy community.
On the other hand, you can take the natural form of healing by taking a stroll in the pocket forest of pine trees in your condo home at Camella Manors. In this way, it will give you a sense of rejuvenation and stability whenever you needed a rest from all the demands of living. Hence, you could keep away from stress and toxicity just by communing with nature every single day. You will eventually notice how positive you will radiate as you interact with your loved ones and friends in your community.
Suggested Read: How to Protect Kids from COVID-19
