‘Be good models’: DOH urges gov’t officials to get jabbed vs COVID-19
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Wednesday called on government officials to act as role models for the public by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
“We just want to urge all government officials, let us try to be models so people will follow,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.
“Let us show confidence in our vaccines. Let us show that vaccines are weapons to protect the population,” she added.
The health official also said it is “unfair” if government workers wait for other types of COVID-19 vaccines.
“Having to say that we wait for another brand would be unfair for other workers who have followed and complied with the protocols of government and have contributed to the protection of the population,” Vergeire said.
Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta earlier said she has not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine as she is waiting for a protein-based jab due to her medical history of hypertension and allergic reactions.
COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of brand, remain safe and effective in preventing the worst outcomes of infections: severe illness and death.
Last week, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III appealed to Acosta to get immunized against COVID-19, noting her age and supposed health woes make it all important for her to get jabbed.
Acosta’s refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 has prompted calls from Senator Franklin Drilon for her to be barred from reporting to work as she is putting the safety of her colleagues in danger.
Since March 2021, only 57.84 million people have completed vaccination against COVID-19, while 59.98 million individuals have received partial protection.
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