Experts recommend booster dose for priority groups

An expert panel advising the government on Wednesday recommended a third “booster” dose of the coronavirus vaccine for people with compromised immune systems as well as people who have had two Sinovac jabs.

The advisers said cancer patients, people on dialysis, transplant recipients, and those with AIDS should be the first to get a booster shot.

High-risk groups – such as residents older than 60, medical workers, cross-boundary drivers, people who work at the airport and hotels, and patients with other chronic diseases – should also get a booster shot.

The panel recommended these groups receive a booster after they receive their second jab of the two-dose vaccine regimen.

Those who have had two Sinovac jabs will also need a third shot, the experts said, as studies show their antibody levels drop more quickly.

One of the experts, Professor David Hui of the Chinese University, said people who have had two Sinovac jabs could switch to BioNTech for their booster.

“For those who receive two doses of CoronaVac – being a weaker immunogenic vaccine – then if you switch to BioNTech, that would actually stimulate a higher antibody level,” he said, using the Sinovac vaccine’s trade name.

But the Centre for Health Protection said they will liaise with the relevant authorities to offer booster shots for the priority groups.