DOH: No reason to believe vaccination caused midwife’s death

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday that there is so far no evidence that the death of a midwife from COVID-19 was due to her inoculation against the virus.

“We are aware of the unfortunate situation… As of present, there is no reason to believe that this incident was caused by the vaccine,” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

She reminded the public that vaccines for COVID-19 cannot cause COVID-19 infection.

Reports showed that Elvira Estera of San Mateo, Isabela died of COVID-19, 13 days after she got inoculated against the illness.

Estera, the municipal midwife at the rural health unit in San Mateo, reportedly tested positive for the virus after she received her first dose.

Vergeire noted the regional and the national “adverse event following immunization” (AEFI) is currently conducting a “comprehensive causality assessment” of all adverse events that resulted from vaccination.

“Evidence shows that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination continue to outweigh the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19,” she added.

The DOH has reiterated its advice to those included in the priority list to get their vaccines.

“We recognize that many people are eager to be vaccinated and protect themselves and their loved ones against COVID-19. It is important to honor the priority groups in the rollout of vaccines throughout the country,” the DOH said.

“Vaccination sites are reminded to conduct thorough symptom and exposure screening,” it added.

“Potential vaccinees are also called on to be fully transparent when being assessed for history of exposure to COVID-19 – this is for your protection,” the DOH added.

The DOH has underscored that even after a person gets his first dose, it would take about three weeks before he or she gets partial protection.

It maintained that even after completing the vaccination, a person may still be contagious to others.