The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Filipinos who completed their COVID-19 vaccinations between 2021 and 2023 remain protected against the latest variant of the virus, which has drawn attention for causing unusually painful sore throats described as “razor-blade” symptoms.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa gave this assurance during a press briefing at Malacañang, noting that existing vaccines continue to provide protection.
“It seems the COVID-19 vaccines that were administered years before are still effective. So if you are vaccinated during the previous COVID-19 pandemic, then you are still protected,” Herbosa said.
As of June 2024, data from the Food and Drug Administration show that over 78 million Filipinos—or roughly 70 percent of the country’s population of 112 million—have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, has not yet detected the presence of the NB.1.8.1 variant—nicknamed “Nimbus”—in the country. To verify its possible entry, Secretary Herbosa has directed the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine to conduct genome sequencing on samples from recent COVID-19 cases.
First identified in Asia in January 2025, Nimbus is a descendant of the Omicron lineage, originating from the recombinant XDV.1.5.1 variant. Its symptoms mirror those of previous COVID-19 strains, including fever, cough, chills, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell—but it is the intense sore throat that has made it especially notable.
According to the World Health Organization, NB.1.8.1 is one of six variants currently under monitoring. Though it is being tracked globally, WHO classifies its public health risk as low. A modest rise in cases was observed in late May, particularly in the Western Pacific region—which includes the Philippines—as well as in parts of the Americas, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Health officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, observe hygiene protocols, and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.