All vaccines effective vs COVID-19
THE Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 yesterday stressed that all COVID-19 vaccines are effective contrary to the insinuation of a former government advisor that not all vaccines are effective against the disease.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said vaccines offer additional protection against COVID-19 and they save lives.
“COVID-19 vaccines are life-saving interventions that remain highly effective against COVID-19 variants, including the Delta variant,” he said.
Duque issued the statement in the wake of an appeal made, during a Senate hearing last Aug. 27, by the former government advisor and medical professional for the government to procure vaccines with higher efficacy rate amidst the threat of the Delta variant.
The health chief pointed out that there is a growing number of real-world evidence globally which has consistently shown that COVID-19 vaccines have led to significant reductions in hospitalizations and deaths among vaccinated individuals.
Duque also reminded healthcare professionals to be more responsible in their statements especially in the context of reported vaccine hesitancy in the country and called on the public to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families against COVID-19 especially with the threat of the more transmissible Delta variant.
“We would like to remind healthcare professionals to be more mindful of their statements to the public regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Amidst an ongoing pandemic, one irresponsible statement is a fine line between life or death. COVID-19 I call on my fellow healthcare professionals to work together to increase vaccine confidence in the country,” he said.
The health chief further cited data from 23 hospitals in NCR wherein 70% of patients admitted to hospitals were not vaccinated. Moreover, data from the FDA shows that out of the 9 million fully vaccinated individuals only 0.0013% got COVID-19.
Duque said the National Government has been working with the All Experts Groups on COVID-19 Vaccines who scrutinize the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines from selection, procurement, and deployment.
“Currently, these expert groups guide the overall implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program of the country. The national government and expert groups remain vigilant and transparent in assuring the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines,” he assured.
As of Aug. 26, 2021, the Philippines has administered almost 32 million jabs and has fully vaccinated 13.5-million individuals.
