ILOILO CITY – With almost 3,800 active cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the city and province of Iloilo, a group of doctors have condemned those spreading fake news against the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a statement, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP-Western Visayas Chapter) emphasized it “does not and will never support, condone and tolerate” members who promote anti-vaccination by smearing the campaign of the Department of Health (DOH).
The statement of PCP-Western Visayas Chapter came after an online interview with one of its members, Dr. Dolores Octaviano, is quickly spreading on social media.
Octaviano claimed in an online talk show that people are used “guinea pigs” in an “experimental” COVID-19 vaccine that can harm the body.
Octaviano even made the spurious claim that the COVID-19 vaccine can cause more deaths than what it is supposed to prevent.
The PCP-Western Visayas Chapter headed by Dr. Aime Fabila refuted Octaviano’s claim while emphasizing that “getting vaccinated is a form of protection”.
Octaviano’s claim has made many others who are not in the medical field to worry as the lady doctor’s claims are adding to the level of hesitancy among the public.
“I have people close to me who have seen the interview and are now having doubts on getting vaccinated,” expressed Daryl Lasafin, a former newspaper editor.
Lasafin told Manila Bulletin he has been stressed. He told his parents, who are both seniors with comorbidities, not to believe everything they see on Facebook including the interview with Octaviano while encouraging them to get vaccinated.
Lasafin added that vaccination may be the only remedy for now as there’s no cure for COVID-19 yet.