MANILA – A vaccine expert reaffirmed on Wednesday the need for people to get vaccinated, emphasizing that all available Covid-19 vaccines are indeed effective at preventing serious disease and death.
Dr. Rontgene Solante, a member of the Vaccine Expert Panel, encouraged the public to roll up their sleeves when it is time to get vaccinated, since Covid-19 infections continue to rise due to the extremely contagious Delta variant.
According to the recent data, 80% of Covid-19 cases admitted to hospitals were unvaccinated.
“Yung mga nasa ICU ngayon na severe, critical mas higher ang percentage ng walang bakuna kumpara doon sa may bakuna (Those who are admitted in the ICU with severe [symptoms], [in] critical [condition] higher percentage among them are unvaccinated compared to the vaccinated),” he said.
Vaccines are not a shield against the coronavirus and its variants, health experts said, but while there are breakthrough infections, vaccines, regardless of brand, have proven to be effective in protecting against deadly infections.
Breakthrough infections should not be seen as a sign that the vaccines are ineffective, according to health authorities. Even vaccinated individuals can contract the coronavirus, which is uncommon.
Before registering for inoculation, Solante encouraged the public not to choose or wait for the availability of their preferred vaccine brand.
“Marami na tayong mga pasyente ngayon na sa kahihintay ng pinipiling bakuna, nagka-Covid, na-admit, naging severe (Many individuals have now contracted Covid-19, admitted as severe cases [in hospitals] because they’re waiting for a certain vaccine brand),” he said.
“Kunin na natin kung ano mang bakuna ang bibigay sa gobyerno, io-offer sa inyo. Magpabakuna na po tayo kasi ito po ay ligtas (Let’s accept whichever vaccine the government offers. Let’s get vaccinated because this is safe) and you will be protected against severe infection,” he added.
Vaccines are safe
The Covid-19 vaccine causes the body to create antibodies, which protects against serious infections, according to Solante.
However, the body’s frequent reaction to the vaccine is adverse reactions following injection.
Solante refuted social media claims that Covid-19 vaccines include genetically modified organisms and aborted cells that can alter the body of the recipient.
“Itong mga sinasabi nilang genetic material, wala po talagang katotohanan iyan na makaapekto sa katawan ng mga tao (These genetic materials they’re saying, it’s not true that they can affect a person’s body),” Solante said.
He further said that the increase in the number of so-called anti-vaxxers spreading misinformation online is to be expected, given that many Filipinos are getting their Covid-19 shots, shows a high level of vaccine confidence among the population.
