DOH absolves vaccinators in failed jab incidents

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has practically absolved the vaccinators involved in the three viral videos of failed COVID-19 inoculations, saying these were “human errors.”

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said they are investigating the incidents thoroughly but not to penalize the vaccinators.

“We are doing through investigation, not to penalize, not to sanction, but to improve the processes of government,” she noted in an interview with “The Chiefs” on Cignal TV’s One News on Thursday.

She added these three incidents happened in the middle of more than 10 million inoculations performed at vaccination sites.

“If they were intentionally done, then we will penalize,” she maintained. The official added there were “lapses” in the process but there was “no bad intention” on the part of the concerned vaccinators.

Vergeire assured the public that the vaccinators were subjected to refresher course on vaccination procedures to prevent a repeat of their mistakes.

She underscored the need for “overseers” at all vaccination centers who would closely monitor inoculation activities.

Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman Richard Gordon urged the government to hire more vaccinators if it wants to reach its goal of vaccinating 70 million Filipinos next year.

“Looking at it from Red Cross, I find the vaccination slow,” he told ‘The Chiefs‘.

According to Gordon, the country is vaccinating an average of 235,000 per day. To meet the goal, some 500,000 to 700,000 individuals must be given the jabs daily.

“We have only vaccinated about 2.5 million. At that rate, we can finish perhaps by 2023,” he added.

Gordon said the PRC has 1,000 vaccinators “ready” but “unfortunately” are not getting vaccines from the national government.

“Apparently, the vaccines are being given to the local governments. That’s good because the local governments should be at the forefront. But I don’t know how efficient it is,” he added.

Having more inoculators, Gordon said, could prevent mistakes like those caught on video.

“People are tired. They should do it in relay. More vaccinators should be hired,” he said.