Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin reminded on Thursday, April 8, people who have been vaccinated against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) not to be complacent about contracting the disease.

In a statement, the former Department of Health (DOH) secretary pointed out that vaccination "is not an immediate actual protection" against COVID-19.

"They should still be wary as vaccination is not immediate outright protection as our body takes time to develop effective antibodies or soldiers against COVID," Garin said.

"Effective protection starts two to four weeks after after the second dose,” the doctor explained.

"Even if vaccinated, anyone can still be infected if you are too confident," she told the public, stressing that the novel coronavirus had mutated into more infectious variants.

The lawmaker urged COVID-19 vaccinees, especially those waiting for the second dose, to continue practicing minimum public health standards such as wearing of face mask and face shield, and practicing physical distancing. 

A healthy lifestyle could also help boost the immune system to prevent infection from the dreaded virus, she added.

"With a small percentage of population vaccinated, there is no herd immunity yet so we need to be very careful," said Garin.