The easy/lazy way out

Once again, it takes a leader like Joey Concepcion to boldly say what others in government have been pussy footing about. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion has recently been suggesting that the government or the Department of Health should redefine the term “Fully Vaccinated” from the 2-dose standard COVID vaccine to the triple-dose which would include the “Booster” dose. By doing this, millions of Filipinos who have been too lazy or have been avoiding the inconvenience of getting the booster dose will have no choice but to complete the triple-dose or they can be refused entry in public places and business establishments.

It may be recalled that when the government declared its “No Vaxx – No Ride” policy, people were initially resistant to the rule but once in effect, people started lining up to be vaccinated. The fact of life is: when given a choice, people will choose the easy/lazy way out. But when they have no other choice, they will comply. If government can make citizens pay taxes, it certainly can make them have the booster shot!

Many people have been led to believe or think that once they have the mandatory two doses, they are already protected, while others argue that there have been no surges or super spreader events, proving that the 2-dose regiment is more than sufficient. Last but not the least, many business owners argue that another round of mandatory vaccination and refusal of entry of un-boosted clients will disrupt business. Whether you agree or disagree, the government’s mandate is to protect its citizens and safeguard public health. So, if the science and environment or global incidents point to the need to make the booster shot mandatory, let’s not waste our breath debating the matter. You and I know that when it comes to a choice between boosters versus lock downs or being banned from travel outside our homes, we will all line up and “Present Arms,” as they say in military drills.

But if the force of law is not enough to convince you, perhaps recent observations of spikes and surges of COVID-Omicron cases all over the world will get your attention. From China to Europe, they have observed the rise and, according to what I have seen and heard in various reports, the plausible explanation is that the current types of vaccines against COVID-19 is not yet at the level of those for instance used for polio prevention or one-shot-for-life type of vaccines. Based on estimates and observations of experts in infectious diseases and epidemiology, the 2-dose vaccines that were administered over a year ago have started to wane in many countries that were first or earliest to administer the vaccines against COVID.

It has long been suggested that after six months the first dose would weaken by as much as 30 percent, which is why the second dose was required. Approximately a year and a half later, even the double dose no longer fully protects people. I remember sometime in the early part of 2021 when scientists were testing anti-body and immunity levels among test groups and reported the decrease in efficacy and anti-body levels and that led to the global push for a third vaccination or booster shot.

More than half a year later, we now hear or observe outbreaks in areas that were previously thought to be well protected or vaccinated against COVID, such as many parts of China and Europe. The suspicion is that many cases involve people who have not had the booster shot. Going further, the United States recently announced plans to give a second booster shot, or fourth anti-COVID jab, to persons 65 years old and above as well as individuals who are 50 years or older but with co-morbidities. This already signals us as a precautionary measure and perhaps connected to the “waning efficacy” of COVID vaccines.

Yes, it is tiring, bothersome or perhaps disruptive of our daily routine to have to line-up once again for a third jab, maybe even a fourth one by the end of the year. But think about it: Half a day is less disruptive and a lot cheaper than spending weeks if not a month in the hospital and spend hundreds of thousands if you get hit big time by Delta or Omicron, and don’t think that Omicron is a walk in the park. My church mate landed in the ICU at the height of the Omicron variant rampage with two other guys who were in top physical condition. Two out of the three did not leave the hospital alive.

As for the complaints of the business owners and employers, the suggestion to make the booster shot mandatory won’t be undertaken randomly or first come first serve – “no line” chaos. The DOH has time and again said that the primary target or persons would be the senior citizens and frontliners. YES, there are still many frontliners who have not had their booster shot, which confirms that they are either being lazy about it or falsely believe that the 2-dose vaccination is enough. I was quite shocked to learn that the DOH and the IATF have not made the booster shot a mandatory requirement for frontliners, given the constant risk they are subject to, not to mention that an infected frontliner could spell the end for a sick patient or individual with comorbidities.

By following previous schedules and protocols, the DOH can first inoculate frontliners, then senior citizens 65 and above, then those 50 to 64 with comorbidities, followed by anyone with a comorbidity regardless of age, then followed by employees and finally the general population, which could also be split between adults and those 18 years old and below. It’s no big deal and nothing new: Just Do It!