The Philippines must prepare to secure bivalent Covid vaccines if it hopes to maintain economic activities amid economic and political volatility around the world, according to Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion.

"Bivalent vaccines will help us protect the vulnerable and those who are essential to keeping our economy going," Concepcion said.

He reiterated that securing the vaccines early will be important if the country is to inspire confidence among investors that the country will not experience any more disruptions because of the virus.

Bivalent Covid-19 vaccines protect against both the original strain of the SARS-CoV2 virus and the Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.

Previous vaccines also offer protection against the Omicron variants, but not as much as the bivalent vaccines.

"The bivalent vaccines have a broader antibody production compared to current vaccines available. With a broader antibody, longer duration of protection is its advantage over current vaccines," said infectious diseases expert and Vaccine Expert Panel member Dr. Rontgene Solante.

He added that if the bivalent vaccines are made available, it might encourage people – especially those who have not received booster doses – to get their shots.

Concepcion said a lot of countries have already placed their orders.

"Here in the Philippines, there is no Food Drug Administration approval yet for these vaccines," he said.

Concepcion explained that pharmaceutical companies that have bivalent vaccines will likely choose to be indemnified by the government.

"This will need an Emergency Use Authorization, which is possible if the government extends the State of Public Health Emergency up to when the bivalent vaccines will be available to us," he said.

In the United States, bivalent vaccines are recommended for those who have not been boosted, or as a second booster dose to those who are 18 to 50 years old with comorbidities, those 50 years and older, immunocompromised, and healthcare workers.