1PACMAN Partylist Rep. Eric Pineda wants government to consider applying Japan’s "no force, no discrimination" vaccination policy of ensuring that citizens are fully informed of the positive and potential dangerous side effects of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Pineda aired the proposal amid the Duterte administration’s imposition of draconian measures to ensure that Filipinos get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Despite not resorting to strict measures to force vaccination, Japan has already achieved herd immunity, with over 70 percent of its estimated population of 126 million already receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The number of vaccines administered has reached nearly 202 million as of January 13, the Japanese government revealed.
“It would be great for the Philippines to implement Japan’s vaccine policies, as these policies are well studied and I believe that it would be beneficial for all,” said the chairman of the House Committee on Labor.
“Japan’s Health Ministry has acknowledged the increasing rate of heart inflammation in vaccinated people in Japan. Their Health Ministry has listed inflammation of the heart muscle and of the outer lining of the heart in younger males as possible serious side effects of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccines, after conducting a study finding the side effect present in several younger males,” he explained.
“Due to this, it is now insisted that vaccines have warning documents attached to warn of these potential dangerous side effects,” he stated.
Pineda noted that because of the potential adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines have on a person’s state of health, Japan has made it a requirement that those intending to get vaccinated have “informed consent” prior to receiving the vaccine.
Further, the Japanese government strictly prohibits discrimination against the unvaccinated.
“What Japan is doing is very good, I hope that more countries will follow suit. So much discrimination has been experienced by our people who choose to hold off on receiving the vaccine - with the “no jab, no job” policies contained in IATF’s Resolutions,” said Pineda.
He added: “It’s high time we take steps to ensure that all citizens have “informed consent” prior to being vaccinated without fear of discrimination should they choose not to be vaccinated.”