PROGRAM PH GOV’T ASSURES FILIPINOS OF SAFE, EFFECTIVE VACCINE IN THE COMING MONTHS

PH GOV’T ASSURES FILIPINOS OF SAFE, EFFECTIVE VACCINE IN THE COMING MONTHS

As the government continues to increase the level of awareness among Filipino people on the vaccination program, it also assured that the vaccines to end the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which will soon become available in the country are safe and effective. COVID-19 policy chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito

By Jennifer P. Gaitano Galvez Jr. emphasized the sincerity of the government to secure and deliver a safe and effective vaccine for all Filipino. He added that the whole-of-nation approach will ensure the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines at the soonest possible time. Director-General Ramon Cualoping III of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) stressed the need for all Filipinos to unite and cooperate in the campaign against fake news particularly on the effort of the government in ending the pandemic. He further called on all sectors to only spread the right and accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine. “I need your help to explain about the vaccine to all Filipinos

because they deserve such an explanation, and they deserve the truth. We would like to assure everyone that this government, your government under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is working really hard in planning the roll-out and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and communicating the facts to the people,” said Cualoping. Dr. Nina Gloriani, head of Vaccine Development Expert Panel from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also revealed that the ideal vaccine should be safe, immunogenic, long-lasting immunity (memory cells), protect against disease, stable in field conditions, preferably single dose, and affordable and accessible for those who need them. Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, MD of the Department of Health (DOH)-Public Health Service Team explained the vaccine deployment. She reiterated that the DOH’s mission is to establish a sustainable immunization program against COVID-19. “The government’s goal is to protect the public and reduce morbidity and mortality rates due to COVID-19,” she remarked. Also, Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the DOSTPCHRD, said that the Philippines will participate in the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Vaccine Trials as approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) through its Resolution No. 47. “The WHO will facilitate the conduct of the Solidarity Trial for Vaccines with the primary goal of evaluating the promptly, efficiently, and reliably the safety and efficacy of candidate vaccine/s,” Montoya said. Meanwhile, Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho of DOH called on the public to get and avail the vaccine and motivate others to get the same for everyone’s protection. She further reminded all to share only accurate information, take active steps to be informed, organize sessions or fora to engage others constructively, and join the DOH organized or DOH supported webinars/ trainings. (JPG/VLG/PIACaraga) Caraga INFOCUS