The Department of Health (DOH) has called on the public to wait for the registered Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine to enter the Philippines following reports on several entrepreneurs and politicians allegedly getting the shots.
The health department reiterated that there is currently no approved vaccine in the country.
According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet received any applications from the vaccine manufacturers for registration. Unapproved vaccines will do no good to the citizens since its effectiveness and safety cannot be assured by proper authorities.
“We like to warn and advise the public na kapag gumamit po tayo ng mga hindi rehistrado at hindi authorized na bakuna para sa inyong pamilya or para sa inyo, hindi po natin maga-guarantee ‘yung safety nito, at hindi natin maga-guarantee na it will be efficacious, meaning it will give you the specific effect that your body needs para maprotektahan kayo against COVID-19 (We like to warn and advise the public that when we use an unregistered and unauthorized vaccine for your families or yourself, we cannot guarantee its safety and if it will be efficacious, meaning it will give you the specific effect that your body needs to protect you against COVID-19).”
The DOH and FDA are strictly monitoring the conduct of illegal activities. However, there are no official complaints regarding the matter. The agency is appealing to the public to report any shady activities to their office. Report from Mark Fetalco
