To avoid wasting the vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Health (DOH) has urged local government units to prepare a substitute list in case those set to receive the shot don't show up.
(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
"Aside from their list of who will be vaccinated, they should also create a quick substitute list. So if they don't show up you already have a list as to who to call so as not to waste the vaccines," DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said during the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (C.O.D.E.) Team visit in Mandaluyong City, Friday, Feb. 5.
"We have to be very careful that it will not be wasted. That's why we encourage, we enjoin the LGUs to clearly establish your quick substitute list as fallback," he added.
During the visit, the Health chief also spoke of the need to address the people's fear of getting a vaccine.
"Many are saying vaccine hesitancy among the public is high. It is possible that these claims and observations have basis. But from the people I've talked to, I think they are more afraid of the injection. Sometimes they are more afraid of the needle," said Duque.
"We must address the source of their doubt or public doubt as to the quality and safety, efficacy of our vaccine. It is very important to regain the confidence, trust of the people," he added.
The CODE visit was headed by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).
Among the topics discussed in the visit include the local Situation report on COVID-19, the National Action Plan (NAP) among others.