The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is real and that vaccines are safe and effective.
The DOH said that several people have already contracted the viral illness and already claimed many lives.
"Ang COVID-19 ay idineklara ng WHO (World Health Organization) bilang isang global pandemic. Noong 20 Setyembre 2021, may naitalang 228,394,572 confirmed cases ng COVID-19 at 4,690,186 na katao ang nasawi dahil dito, batay sa report ng WHO (COVID-19 has been declared by the WHO as a global pandemic. As of Sept. 20, 2021, a total of 228,394,572 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded and 4,690,186 people died, based on a report from the WHO)," the DOH said.
The DOH made the statement after members of a group named Gising Maharlika claimed that there is no COVID-19 and that they are opposing the government’s vaccination program.
The DOH reiterated that vaccines against COVID-19 are safe.
“Walang katotohanan na ang pagbabakuna ay nakamamatay. Ang bakuna sa COVID-19 na nabigyan ng EUA (emergency use authorization) ng FDA (Food and Drug Administration) ay ligtas at epektibo (It is not true that vaccination kills. The COVID-19 vaccines, which have been granted EUA by the FDA, are safe and effective),” it said.
“Boluntaryo at libre ang pagbabakuna. Ang informed consent ay kailangan pirmahan bago makakuha ng first shot (Vaccination is voluntary and free. Informed consent must be signed before one can get the first shot of the vaccine).” it added.
The different health protocols and vaccines can protect people against the viral disease, said the DOH.
“Ang bakuna laban sa COVID-19 at pagsunod sa minimum public health standards gaya ng paggamit ng face mask ay magsisilbing proteksyon para sa iyong pamilya (The vaccine against COVID-19 and adherence to minimum public health standards, such as the use of a face mask, will serve as protection for your family),” it said.