(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
“COVID-19 vaccine is just one of several means to reduce the risk of COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths as well as the long-term effects of this disease,” says Dr. Angelo Militante, President of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA).
“Choosing not to use these vaccines would be a tragic negation of our collective responsibility to humanity,” he said. “Now it’s our turn to take part on this advocacy, not just as a health professional but as part of humanity.”
Dr. Militante was speaking in solidarity with fellow health professionals of the Vaccine Solidarity Movement (VSM) of which the PDA is a member.
Anti-vaxxers are the source of vaccine hesitancy, declared the VSM, the country’s largest, most influential medical group that has emerged during the pandemic.
It issued the strong statement to fight the spread of fake news against vaccine hesitancy.
VSM members include the Philippine Dental Association, the National Adverse Effects Immunization Commission, Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Nurses Association, Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines, Philippine Pharmacists Association, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination and other allied medical and health organizations.
“We denounce all medical practitioners who deliberately cause panic, fear, and confusion among the public by making their anti-vaccination views known,” the VSM said.
“Doctors and medical practitioners understand the important role that vaccines play in saving lives and preventing severe diseases, and so we deem it morally and intellectually wrong to both be a medical practitioner and an anti-vaxxer at the same time.”
To put it simply, the VSM said, one cannot be a doctor if he or she is an anti-vaxxer. “There is no room in the medical field for people who question the validity and the scientifically proven positive effects of vaccines.”
“We will not allow vaccination to be politicized and weaponized to the detriment of the Filipino,” said Dr. Benny Atienza of the Philippine Medical Association. “Medical practitioners abide by the Hippocratic Oath and as such should be more vigilant, outspoken, and visible when it comes to telling the truth about vaccines.”
“Vaccines are safe, effective, and they save lives,” said Dr. Lulu Bravo of the National Adverse Effects Immunization Commission. “There’s no negative health effects when taking COVID-19 vaccines.”
“Some doctors and medical professionals are being used by certain members of the media to spread confusion and doubts about getting vaccinated,” warned Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go, former Director-General of the Department of Health’s Food and Drug Administration. “Ultimately, this is harmful to our people.”
“In addition to other public health measures, vaccination is prevention and better than cure,” said Dr. Jun Belizario, Dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Public Health. “Hesitation might prove to be too late.”
“The benefits of getting vaccinated outweighs all potential risks,” said Bryan Posadas, Program Manager for Immunization of the Philippine Pharmacists Association.
“Our freedom of speech should be tempered with accountability for the things we say, especially when public safety is threatened,” said Amor Maclang, VSM Co-Convenor and Public Engagement Advisor to the UP College of Public Health.
“We are seeing our entire medical system strained to the max while our body count mounts and our economy wobbles. The key towards correcting these issues is vaccination.”
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
