The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauds and supports the decision of the Department of Health (DOH) to expand the national rollout of the 2nd Covid-19 booster shot to include seniors and health care workers. This decision, following the recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Council, is timely and in line with the recent DOH findings on the transmission of the more contagious Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1.

Experts found that BA.2.12.1 have both immune escape and increased transmissibility. It is also believed to be up to 27% more transmissible than the current BA.2 dominant subvariant in the Philippines. CHR encourages those who remain reluctant to get vaccinated, and those that have received their primary dose, to complete the subsequent vaccine doses necessary for full protection.

Let us remember that as more individuals in our community get vaccinated, herd immunity makes it less likely for individuals to get sick — decreasing the spread of Covid-19 and halting its repeated mutations, that cause new variants, due to replication. There is no mutation without replication.

Together, let us be united in taking the necessary steps to end Covid-19 in the country.###