In the coming days, we will be marking the one year of quarantine brought about by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Because of it world economy is spiraling, businesses are closing one by one, unemployment has risen, travel is restricted, health protocols are imposed, schools are out, church worship is regulated, partying and events became virtual, and more. On the positive side, it resulted in many becoming more resourceful, creative, inventive and innovative. Social media has become everyone’s platform to communicate and be informed. Family bonding has become more meaningful!
The past few weeks the hottest topic of discussion is the COVID-19 vaccination. To many it is the most-awaited solution to the health crisis gripping the world. In the Philippines, just like anything else, it is subject to politics, debate, doubts, cynicism and, so some extent, business over service!
This led one political pundit to say, “What we are facing is a crisis of truth and credibility. Everybody appears to have been compromised, professionally, financially or politically. The people are at a lost and are looking for an honest and credible guidance. And both sides of the political fence cannot be trusted.”
My US-based sister, relatives and friends encourage me to go for vaccination. But theirs is Pfizer (95% efficacy), the preferred brand of vaccine. The vaccine du jour in the Philippines is Sinovac, which has 50% efficacy. Soon to be available in the Philippines are AstraZeneca, which has 70% efficacy, Moderna, about 95% and apparently 100% at preventing hospitalization and death, and Johnson and Johnson, demonstrated 66% efficacy at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections, slightly higher in the US at 72%, and appears to be 100% effective at preventing hospitalizations and death.
“Whatever it is, 50% is better than zero. After all, nothing is 100% sure in world except death, taxes and the Word of God,” opined a café habitué.
Yes, I am for vaccination, of course, with the right brand of vaccine, for the sake of my 89 year old Mom and the people around me. Casting aside doubts and cynicism, it is my human responsibility. I may experience side effects but then, they may be outweighed by the results.
Even if vaccinated, we still have to wear mask, observe social distancing, sanitize with alcohol and wash our hands regularly.
Given this scenario, I asked eight friends on their insight of COVID-19 vaccination. And here’s what they got to say.
Karen Laurrie Mendoza and Mark Palabrica
KAREN LAURRIE MENDOZA, Miss Iloilo-Bb. Pilipinas
“I want to get vaccinated. But I would research on what’s best for my body. Some may have allergic reactions on your body but for sure I will have. Since scientists and doctors researched on it and it is for sure for all of us and would give everyone herd immunity to the virus.”
MARK PALABRICA, Founder, Hardin Kag Hape and Founder/Managing Director, Aton Ini
“I believe that we are all responsible for our health and well-being. Delaying or refusing the vaccines can put our health and life at risk. It also risks the health of other people around us, especially if you have elders and kids at home. Getting the vaccine will boost immunity. What I understand is that you can still get the virus even if you’re vaccinated but it is unlikely to happen. In case you will get infected, you will only experience milder course of illness. I think what our government should do is to educate us and inform us everything about the vaccine. They need to tell people the pros and cons, they need to inform us who are only allowed to take the vaccines and why others can’t. I think educating people the use and importance of the vaccine is very important before getting vaccinated. As more people are getting vaccinated, our families and communities will be able to gradually return to a more normal life sooner.”
Nat Lim and Irma Lim
NAT LIM, General Manager, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
“To vaccinate or not? Why or why not? A big YES. Everyday is a risk, with or without the coronavirus. Thus when the vaccine becomes available there is no reason to say no. All legitimate pharmaceutical companies have stringent measures to ensure the medicines they produce are safe. The FDA approval is further proof of its safety. It’s actually like getting a prescription from a doctor for the first time. We never doubt the medicine he/she prescribes even if we don’t know what is it. Besides, I don’t want to have “caution fatigue” – to be in fear of everything is too tiring!”
IRMA LIM, Certified Public Accountant
“I am for COVID 19 vaccination. It’s the least I can do to end this pandemic. Tomorrow may never come, if we don’t do it today.”
Dr. Marovi Ascalon-Celis and Dr. Candice A. Tupas
Dr. MAROVI ASCALON CELIS, Dermatologist and Change Maker
“I pray for the day that clinic practice and patient care will be back to normal. The vaccine is best hope.”
Dr. CANDICE A. TUPAS, Chief Resident Physician, Radiology Department at Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital and Iloilo City Councilor
“I believe that vaccination is a personal choice. In the light of pandemic , we must be able to have ourselves vaccinated in order to reach herd immunity, thus we must be educated what vaccine we’re about to receive and what are its side effects in order for us to have an informed decision. Personally, I am willing to receive the vaccine than being at risk to be infected with Covid and have severe signs and symptoms.”
Mary Pauline G. Banusing and Chikok Presion
MARY PAULINE GORRICETA-BANUSING, restaurateur and owner of Al Dente Ristorante Italiano and Farm To Table
“If I have the opportunity to be vaccinated – Yes. Though I have apprehensions, I will do it for the betterment of society. If this is what it takes for us all to bounce back – I will do it.”
CHICKOK PRESION, Senior Property Specialist, Megawork-IBP
“I choose to be vaccinated because of the lives I have to protect.”
