Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday warned the Department of Health (DOH) that keeping the brand of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines a secret from the patients could further fuel the public’s mistrust in the government’s inoculation program.

Hontiveros said the DOH’s directive to local government units (LGUs) to refrain from announcing the brand of COVID-19 vaccines that they would roll-out to avoid overcrowding is counterproductive and might further erode people’s trust in the national vaccination plan.

The senator said such move might also create unnecessary friction among the patients and vaccinators.

“We hope and expect the DOH will reconsider their policy decision. Let’s respect the patients. Before being vaccinated, they need to be properly informed so they can make an appropriate decision and give informed consent,” Hontiveros said.

“We want to allay the fears of our people and at the same time provide then immediate protection. We could have addressed incidents of overcrowding in vaccination sites if they are giving out information correctly,” she pointed out.

She said it is imperative that the government strengthens its partnerships with LGUs and barangays to expand its vaccine education program and provide incentives for the vaccinees.

“The government ought to be giving out incentives to the public to encourage them to get vaccinated, like offering them grocery packs or paid vacation leaves. Let’s turn their vaccination experience to a positive light,” she stressed.

“The government needs to do all it can to regain the public’s trust. If not, we risk never reaching herd immunity,” she reiterated.