**MANILA, Philippines **— Filipinos who received a full dose of COVID-19 vaccines at the height of the pandemic from 2021 to 2023 are still protected from the newest variant of the infectious disease that causes “razor-blade” sore throats.

“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,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said at a Palace press briefing on Thursday.