Some barangays remained uninformed about joining the World Health Organization’s solidarity trials, which are set to begin next year, Mariz Umali reported on Balitanghali.
One is Barangay 699 in Malate, Manila, with some of its residents still doubting the vaccine’s safety.
“‘Di po ako papayag kung saka-sakali kasi una sa lahat, dahil nga ‘yong sa Dengvaxia, mahirap din ‘yong ikaw ang maging kumbaga sa’yo sasampolan, ‘di ako papayag, ayaw ko,” Rhea of Malate said.
Meanwhile, Barangay captain Edwin Chan said he is willing to take the first COVID-19 vaccine shot in their village to set a good example among his constituents.
“Eh tayo lider eh. To set a good example,” Chan said.
He added the barangay would survey to identify those who want to join the trial based on the Department of Science and Technology protocols.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government chose Barangays Sta. Scholastica, Burnham Legarda, City Camp, and Aurora Hill in Baguio City to be part of the solidarity trials.
According to Barangay captain Thelma Pasag, they would first inform their people of the vaccine trial before listing participants.
“Siguro idi-disseminate po muna namin sa aming barangay, sa constituents namin para alam po nila at kung papayag pa sila, ‘yon po ang gagawin namin. Kung sino po ang papayag kasi nakakatakot daw po kasi ‘yong vaccine na ganiyan. May mga side effect ata,” Pasag said.
DOST vaccine expert panel council chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani said the trials’ initial sites would be in areas with high COVID-19 transmissions, such as in the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region.
She added the WHO Solidarity Trials would prioritize individuals aged 18 to 59 years old and those who are part of the COVID-19 high-risk groups such as health workers, contacts of infected patients, and frontliners.
Some barangays not informed they’re joining WHO solidarity trials
DOST said special groups may be included, like those 60 years old and above, and immunocompromised children.
Gloriani named 14 hospital sites that that could be enrolled in the solidarity trials:
- Philippine General Hospital (lead hospital)
- Research Institute of Tropical Medicine
- Manila Doctor’s Hospital
- San Lazaro Hospital
- St. Lukes Medical Center – Quezon City
- St. Lukes Medical Center – Bonifacio Global City
- Lung Center of the Philippines
- The Medical City
- Makati Medical Center
- De La Salle Medical Center – Cavite
- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center – Cebu City
- Southern Philippines Medical Center – Davao City
- Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
- Western Visayas Medical Center – Iloilo City