The members of the University of the Philippines (UP) community on Thursday, Aug. 12, emphasized that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines are safe to use and effective in battling the infectious disease.
In a statement, the UP College of Medicine (UPCM) stressed that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, adding that the college “stands firm in its commitment to the promotion of evidence-based practice of medicine” in this time of pandemic.
The UPCM appealed to the public to trust the official statements of health authorities and professional specialty or physician organizations, especially on topics regarding COVID-19.
“Any statements from individuals, physicians they may be, former or retired faculty should be interpreted with caution especially as they are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official stand of the UP College of Medicine,” the statement read.
“Statements that allude to the dangers of vaccination, promotion of the use of alternative and repurposed medications that are still under study at the Philippine General Hospital are irresponsible when made public while claiming previous affiliation with the UP College of Medicine or the national university hospital, the Philippine General Hospital,” it added.
The statement was signed by UPCM professor and dean Dr. Charlotte Chiong and PGH director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi.
The UPCM noted that its frontliners and medical faculty continue to serve the people, not only at the PGH, but have also volunteered in different government task forces and expert panels to come up with the best response against the health crisis.
Meanwhile, the UPCM Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology issued a statement following remarks made a certain Dr. Romero Quijano in a radio interview, where he disapproves the use of COVID-19 vaccines.
The college department said Quijano is a retired professor of the UPCM who left the college in 2014, adding that Quijano’s remarks are “contrary to the view and stance of the current faculty of the department.”
The department stressed that it supports science-based measures against COVID-19, as well as proper gathering and interpretation of evidence and information.
“Basi sa aming mga pag-aaral, ang bakuna ay ligtas at mabisang pamamaraan upang labanan and COVID-19 (Based on our studies, the vaccine is a safe and effective method to combat COVID-19),” the department said in a statement signed by its faculty members.
“Hinihimok namin ang ating mga kababayan na magpabakuna at makipag-usap sa mga doktor at healthcare workers kung may mga agam-agam ukol sa bakuna (We urge our countrymen to get vaccinated and talk to doctors and healthcare workers if they have any doubts about the vaccine,” it added.