By NG Seruela
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered local government units (LGUs) on Thursday (May 20) to “refrain” from announcing the vaccine brands received by their respective areas.
In a statement, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said the best vaccine is the one available. To “overcome brand preference,” he directed LGUs not to announce the vaccine brands. He emphasized the importance of the vaccination program to lower the risk of further transmission.
“We need to educate the people in order to overcome brand preference. All FDA-approved vaccines are just emergency use authorization. They are all similarly situated. Our health experts have repeatedly said that there is none that is more effective than the other. All of them prevent hospitalization or critical illness from COVID-19. That is what is important,” he said.
Año explained that individuals will be informed of the vaccine brand once they are in the vaccination center and give their “informed consent.” However, if they refuse to receive the vaccine, they will have to go to “the back of the line.”
Año urged the public to support the national vaccination program since it is “their duty as citizens to protect themselves, their family, and their country by being vaccinated.” An advisory regarding the matter will be issued soon.
The Department of Health on Wednesday (May 19) recommended the nondisclosure of vaccine brands at vaccination sites to prevent overcrowding. -jlo
READ MORE: http://152.42.253.13/doh-exec-suggests-nondisclosure-of-covid-19-vaccine-brands-at-jab-sites/
