Now that the first batch of vaccines against COVID-19 is coming to the Philippines, the government is preparing to take them to vaccination sites.
According to experts, other people’s responsibility is simple: register and get vaccinated.
It is said that it is important for vaccine recipients to follow the schedule given to them.
“Importante talaga na mayroong schedule kasi mayroon tayong ginagawang distancing ‘pag magbabakuna. Dapat walang crowding, walang pagsisiksikan,” said Dr. Lulu Bravo, executive director of Philippine Foundation for Vaccination.
“Maganda siguro naka-sleeveless kayo para madali kayong mabakunahan. Walang dapat alalahanin at gawin,” said public health expert Dr. Susan Mercado.
“Nakita sa pag-aaral sa buong mundo na ligtas ang mga bakunang ito,” she added.
When you arrive at the vaccination center, you just have to go through screening by a health worker who will explain the benefits and possible side effects of the vaccine.
“Tatanong sa kanila, ano ang mga sakit nila kung mayroon silang diabetes, hypertension, kung mayroon asthma. May checklist ano’ng allergy nila kung nagkaroon na sila ng previous dose,” said Bravo.
“Kailangan pipirma kayo [ng consent form] na kayo ay sang-ayon na kayo ay babakunahan. Walang babakunahan na pinilit,” said Mercado.
What to expect when getting COVID-19 vaccine?
After the vaccination, the recipient would be observed for 30 minutes for any side effects.
According to Mercado, the side effects of the vaccine against COVID-19 are the same as the vaccines that people have been using for a long time, such as against measles.
It is also possible to have a fever or flu but it usually does not last more than 2 days.
All side effects should be recorded on the monitoring card provided to the patient and reported to the health center as needed.
Some symptoms are normal, according to Mercado, and it shows that the body recognizes COVID-19 so that next time they will not get seriously ill because of it.
According to Bravo, hundreds of experts are now working to ensure that vaccines are safe for Filipinos.
He also said that it is a good sign that health workers will be vaccinated, who understand the value of the vaccine and its ability to save lives.