The Department of Health (DOH) encouraged the different local government units (LGUs) and vaccination sites to submit data on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections among fully vaccinated individuals.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made the statement as there could be underreported “breakthrough” COVID-19 infections in the country as raised by former DOH secretary and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin.
"Unfortunately, and we agree with former secretary Garin---underreported talaga (it is underreported)," said Vergeire in a press briefing on Wednesday, Sept. 29.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defined breakthrough infection as detection of COVID-19 "in a person more than 14 days after completion of all the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccines."
Last Sept. 9, FDA Director-General Rolando Enrique Domingo said that 242 fully vaccinated individuals experienced “breakthrough infections” out of the 13.8 million Filipinos fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Aug. 29.
“Meron naman po kaming nakakalap na datos (We were able to collect data) for these breakthrough infections. Our hospitals are helping us, they give us information regarding these breakthrough infections among healthcare workers,” said Vergeire.
However, more data is needed when it comes to communities, she said.
“We still need information coming from our communities and this is where our local governments, vaccination centers will play a big role,” said Vergeire.
“We are encouraging and requesting all of you, please submit the data. Meron naman po kaming mga naipakalap na na information and instruction para dito. Sana makapag submit para makumpleto din natin ang datos natin (We have already sent information and instructions for this. I hope they can be able to submit so that we can also complete our data) regarding these breakthrough infections,” she added.