Filipino health workers vaccinated with China-made Sinovac have not been affected by COVID-19, unlike in Indonesia which reported deaths of fully vaccinated doctors there, according to the COVID-19 Interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG).
The Philippines began vaccinating its health workers with Sinovac in February 2021 with no deaths being reported among them, Dr. Maria Consorcia Quizon, Member of NITAG, told OneNews.
RELATED STORY: DOH mulls injecting Sinovac for children aged 3 and above
She urged for investigations “based on real-world studies” into the reported deaths of the Indonesian doctors – since Sinovac displayed a high 98 percent efficacy rate against severe COVID infection.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire echoed Quizon’s statement saying that the Indonesia report had not highlighted the vaccinated ones among the deceased.
READ ON: LOOK: Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera receive Sinovac jabs in Taguig
But the Indonesian report has alarmed Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon, who – despite Sinovac being vaccine of choice by the Philippines government – urged for preventing a similar Indonesia situation by providing the best vaccine for Filipinos, including frontline doctors and nurses who are exposed to the virus.
Meanwhile, Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) member Dr. Rontgene Solante told the media on June 28 that COVID-19 vaccines – despite having different efficacy rates – could protect against severe forms of infection. However, receiving the second dose is necessary, even if there was a gap between doses, headed. (AW)
