Gov’t postpones COVID-19 booster rollout for non-immunocompromised minors aged 12-17

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 23) — The administration of COVID-19 booster shots to healthy minors has been postponed, the National Vaccination Operations Center said Sunday.

NVOC Chairperson and Health Undersecretary Dr. Myrna Cabotaje said the rollout was pushed back after the Health Technology Assessment Council said the administration of boosters for non-immunocompromised minors aged 12-17 could continue only when the adult population reached 40-70% booster coverage.

"We are still appealing the provision in the HTAC recommendation that for rest of 12-17 booster, 40-70% booster coverage of A1, A2 & A3 and adult population should be met in the area," she told CNN Philippines in a message.

In a separate radio interview, Cabtoaje said they hoped a decision on the matter could be made within the day.

The booster rollout was supposed to start on Saturday for healthy minors who got their second primary dose at least five months prior. Administration of booster shots for immunocompromised minors began earlier in the week, with a 28-day interval from the second dose.