By NG Seruela
The DOST-VEP reiterated the importance of COVID-19 vaccine following the reports of a pamphlet online allegedly saying that the vaccine is not ‘true and safe.’
In a Laging Handa public briefing on Wednesday (Aug. 25), DOST-VEP fellow Dr. Rontgene Solante stressed that the vaccine holds a vital role in the fight against COVID-19 especially in the recent increase of the number of cases.
Solante expressed disappointment over the rumor since it does not help in generating vaccine confidence amid the pandemic.
“So ulitin siguro natin, palagi nating ipapaalam iyan, remind everyone na napakaimportante ng bakuna at this point in time especially sa mga pagtataas ng mga kaso ngayon. Dahil unang-una, iyong mga na-admit ngayon sa mga hospital, 80% ay walang bakuna ‘no. Pangalawa, iyong mga nasa ICU ngayon, nag-severe/critical ‘no, mas higher ang percentage na walang bakuna kumpara doon sa mayroong bakuna. So saan ba tayo nakakasandal ngayon? Dito sa bakuna.”
He emphasized that the COVID-19 vaccine is “really safe” and that there is no “genetic material” that can affect the person’s body.
“Iyong mga sinasabi nilang mga genetic material, wala po talagang katotohanan iyan na makaapekto sa katawan ng tao ‘no. So ibig sabihin in totality, ang bakuna ay safe at kailangan nating tanggapin,” he said.
Solante explained that once vaccinated, the body will produce an antibody that will offer protection against the virus. This leads to adverse reactions, an immune response of the body reacting to the vaccine.
“Well, ang importante nito na kapag nabakunahan ka ‘no, magpu-produce ka ng antibody against the virus ‘no, and that antibody will be there to protect you ‘no. So ibig sabihin, itong mga naramdaman na mga adverse reactions, basically because our immune response, our body is reacting to the vaccine.”
He then urged the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent the further spread of the virus in the country. – bny
