The booster shots are very helpful to protect the medical workers from getting severe Covid-19 infections, an official of Taguig-Pateros District Hospital said as the Philippine government rolled out its booster vaccination on Wednesday

“And I would like to thank the LGU (local government unit) for giving us this chance na magkaroon kami ng booster dito sa (to get booster shots in) Taguig,” Exequiel Reonal III, assistant head in infectious and prevention safety control of Taguig-Pateros District Hospital, said during the booster vaccination rollout at the SM Aura Vaccination Hub at BGC in Barangay Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Marie Marta Flores, a molecular laboratory analyst from the Taguig Molecular Laboratories, said the Pfizer booster shot administered to her would mean additional protection against Covid-19.

“Masaya po ako ngayon dahil importante po makakuha tayo ng booster para po pandagdag proteksyon narin araw araw lalo na sa mga nagtatrabaho sa labas at sa mga nakakasalamuha natin. (I am happy that I got a booster shot as our additional protection especially for those working outside and meeting other people,” Flores said in a media interview.

Dr. Dineth Gutierrez, an OB-GYN at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital, said the front-liners like her need additional immunity.

“Nag-agree po ako na magpa-booster shot (I agreed to get a booster shot) especially at this time kasi (because) we need to boost our immunity especially for us front-liners,” said Gutierrez, who also received Pfizer booster shot.

A total of 1,000 medical workers in Taguig received booster shots during the rollout.

Taguig City Head of Immunization Dr. Jennifer Lou De Guzman said the city aims to administer booster shots to 20,000 healthcare workers.

She said booster doses are given to segments of the population once a decrease in the effectivity of the vaccine is noted.

“When we talk about booster ang booster dose, (that) pertains to the dose that we administer among those who completed their primary dose series,” De Guzman said.

Despite the rollout of booster vaccination, she advised the Taguig residents not to be complacent and still observe the minimum public health protocols.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said fully vaccinated healthcare workers who opt to get a booster shot can choose their preferred Covid-19 vaccine brand.

The DOH recommended the administration of Pfizer, Moderna, and Sinovac brands as booster shots. (PNA)