The Department of Health (DOH) is already investigating the report that COVID-19 booster shots were given in the country although it is not yet a priority and is recommended by the agency.
“Gusto natin malaman saan ba galing ang mga bakunang ito. Gusto natin din po malaman kung ano po ‘yung naging proseso kung bakit tayo nagkaroon nitong booster,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
If it is proven that medical workers are giving it without permission and using vaccines from vaccination sites, Vergeire warns that they will be severely punished.
Vergeire said they have not yet recommended booster shots because there has been no study on whether they provide higher protection.
“Mixing and matching booster doses ay hindi pa narerekomenda ngayon dahil hindi pa kompleto ang ating ebidensiya,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
A lawmaker admitted Monday that he was injected with 2 booster shots a few months after completing 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by the Chinese manufacturer Sinopharm.
“Kung nagtataka kayo, bakit si Congressman Zamora ay hindi na nagma-mask, sasabihin ko sa inyo, I have been vaccinated twice, twice over – apat,” said San Juan Rep. Ronaldo Zamora in a press conference.
DOH probes alleged administration of COVID-19 booster shots
According to the congressman, he was vaccinated with Sinopharm vaccines in December.
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to the Sinopharm vaccine only in June.
“Sino ang nakakuha ng Sinopharm sa Pilipinas? Isa doon si Presidente Duterte. Kung pareho ang pinagkunan namin, pareho kaming bootleg,” said Zamora.
‘Bootleg’ can mean unauthorized or illegal copying or making of something.
Zamora said he was only given the COVID-19 vaccine.
Five to 6 months after completing 2 doses of Sinopharm, Zamora was vaccinated with booster shots by Pfizer.
His son, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, insisted that the doctor ordered the basis for the father’s vaccination.
“Iyong naging vaccination ni Congressman Ronnie Zamora ay upon doctor’s orders,” said Mayor Zamora.
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