Sputnik V vaccine (File photo)
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday urged local government units (LGUs) not to announce vaccine brands in promoting their Covid-19 inoculation activities after people crowded vaccination sites that are using their preferred vaccine.
“Not announcing what brand will be available in inoculation sites will not take away the right of individuals to be informed of the vaccine they are taking, as the vaccination process entails on-site vaccine education, proper recording using vaccination cards, and monitoring for Adverse Events Following Immunization,” the DOH said in a statement.
The Covid-19 vaccines issued with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe and effective, as these underwent rigorous evaluation processes, the DOH said.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said vaccine confidence among the public must be built in the stringent processes “which lead to the vaccine development, local authorization, and recommended use of vaccines, and not by brand”.
"As more vaccine supplies become readily available, I encourage everyone to take the earliest opportunity to get vaccinated. Covid-19 vaccines give additional protection against Covid-19 to prevent hospitalization and death,” Duque said.
“We, at DOH, call on the public to choose to be vaccinated to protect yourselves and your loved ones, the soonest possible time," he added.
As of May 19, over 2 million Filipinos, mostly belonging to priority groups A1 to A3, have been vaccinated.
The country is set to begin the vaccination of economic front-liners and indigent population in the National Capital Region Plus by June. (PNA)
