Is it safe for individuals with allergies to get vaccinated against COVID-19?
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that people with food and drug allergies may still get COVID-19 vaccine shots but they must be assessed first by their doctors.
Vergeire emphasized this following reports that some individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine allegedly experienced severe adverse reactions.
"Kapag ikaw ay meron allergies sa pagkain o hindi kaya sa gamot, maari kang tumanggap nitong bakunang ito pero kailangan mo lang makapagpa assess at makapag certify ang iyong doktor that you are eligible and you can receive the vaccine ," she noted, citing the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, Vergeire said that those who have experienced severe allergic reactions to other types of vaccines should not be given the COVID-19 jab.
"Doon sa mga taong nagkaroon na ng experience ng severe allergic reactions noong sila ay dating nabakunahan ng kahit na anong bakuna, kailangan pong hindi muna bigyan ang taong ito at ma-assess siya ng doktor ," she said.
Meanwhile, Vergeire said that it is still imperative for those who already contracted COVID-19 to get vaccinated.
“Kahit tayo ay nagkaroon na ng sakit ng COVID-19 dati, tayo po ay kailangan pa rin magpabakuna . According to experts and to WHO, the possibility of being reinfected is there so we are advised to receive the vaccines still,” she said.
“Ngunit meron pong recommendation ang WHO na kailangan--kung nagkaroon kayo dati ng sakit na COVID-19, kailangan three months from the time that you had COVID-19 saka po tayo magpapabakuna ,” she added.
Meanwhile, the DOH said that the right information about vaccines is very crucial in order for the public to have a “deeper understanding” about COVID-19 vaccines.
“Rumors, misinformation, and disinformation regarding vaccines erode public confidence in vaccines,” said Vergeire.
“The DOH acknowledges that media engagement is critical. The DOH and media are allies in disseminating factual information. Hence, we need accurate and factual reporting based on science,” she added.