The Department of Health on Tuesday, 13 September said that the first Covid-19 booster shot received by the public is still effective against severe and critical infections.

In a media briefing, Health Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that a second Covid-19 booster shot for the general population needs more evidence, hence, "not needed" at the moment.

"We appreciate people who really believe in vaccines, especially those who want to have the second booster dose. But let me tell you again, that the DOH recommends what's based on science and evidence," Vergeire said.

"Right now, the science for this second booster is not that complete for us to say that it will give adequate protection for the general population," she added.

She assured the public that the first booster shot is still effective and can protect people against severe and critical infections brought by Covid-19.

Based on the latest vaccine statistics from the agency, 93.18 percent or a total of 72,770,221 Filipinos have completed their primary series of vaccination.

Meanwhile, a total of 18,552,043 Filipinos have received their first booster shots.