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The Secretary of Health, Francisco T. Duque III, has expressed his willingness to be among the first Filipinos in the country to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once it is ready for use.
This was emphasized by the Undersecretary of Health, María Rosario Vergeire, reacting to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s challenge that Duque and the secretary of the vaccine czar, Carlito Galvez Jr., should be vaccinated first to allay the fears of some people regarding regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
“The Secretary is open to [the first one to be injected]Vergeire said emphasizing that the vaccine will not be available if its safety and efficacy are not proven.
“Even the entire Department of Health would be willing to do that,” he added.
Vergeire explained that even the potential vaccine still needs to undergo regulatory processes before it can be allowed for public use here in the country.
Awareness and education campaign
Vergeire said they will collaborate with local government units (LGUs) to help people understand the importance of the Covid-19 vaccine.
“In mid-December, we will have the commitment and mobilization of the community,” he added.
Earlier, the CEO of the Food and Drug Administration, Eric Domingo, said that the vaccine will not be imposed on people.
Domingo explained that there will be full disclosure of the risks and benefits of the vaccine to ensure that the potential recipient has an informed choice.
He said DOH will conduct information, education and communication campaigns about vaccines.
COVID-19 cases
Covid-19 cases in the country rose to 441,399 on Monday after an additional 1,574 cases were recorded.
80 recoveries and 18 deaths were recorded.
Of the total number of cases, 5.5 percent (24,125) are active cases, 92.6 percent (408,702) have recovered and 1.94 percent (8,572) have died.
