COUNTRIES and scientists around the world are racing to develop COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers have identified at least six variants of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Clinical trials are underway under the auspices of the World Health Organization. The Philippines is participating in the so-called “Solidarity Trials” to determine which of the possible treatments work on patients already with COVID-19.
The science about vaccines should be explained in understandable and reassuring ways to our citizens. The Department of Health (DOH) and Interagency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases must cast aside any lingering fears because of the misadministration of the dengue vaccine.
Vaccination is a life-saving necessity. It is the only way to protect every person from COVID-19 and from all the other diseases for which there already are vaccines. The goal must be 100 percent vaccination. Failure to achieve 100 percent vaccination is not an option.
Thus as early as now DOH and the task force should start creating a technical working group that will draw up the national action plan for vaccination against COVID-19 of every Filipino, every overseas Filipino worker, every visitor from other countries, and every foreign national residing in our country.
We have this profound Filipino adage, daig ng maagap ang masipag. While scientists develop the vaccines, the prudent course of action for us now is to prepare for how to systematically vaccinate every person, anticipating every possible protocol for the types of vaccine which may be developed.
Careful planning takes time, so there must be a technical working group drawing up the action plan this early. Delaying the preparatory work on this will add to our country’s vulnerability to COVID-19.
There must be action now.
