Philippine Medical Association (PMA) President Dr. Benito Atienza, on Thursday, March 24, said that the possible yearly Covid-19 vaccination rollout in the Philippines will depend on the development of SARS-CoV-2 or the virus that causes Covid-19.

Atienza, during the “Laging Handa” public briefing said that aside from the scientists that manufacture the vaccines, the possible implementation of the yearly vaccination against Covid-19 will depend on the development of the virus itself.

“It will depend sa ating mga scientist na nagma-manufacture ng ating vaccine at depende po ito sa magiging resulta o after pandemic. (It will depend on our scientists who manufacture the vaccine and it will also depend on the outcome or the country’s state after the pandemic),” said Atienza.

Atienza said that it is important to consider if Covid-19 will disappear after everyone gets inoculated. He likewise reiterated that viruses “improve” and mutate, and in order to protect the people, scientists will study and improve the available vaccines, the same way experts did with the flu vaccines which are given yearly.

“It will depend po sa magiging development ng virus (It will depend on the development of the virus),” Atienza repeated.

While it is still uncertain, Atienza said that it is important for the public to get vaccinated once the national government decides to implement the fourth vaccine dose scheme in the country.

“Kung matutuloy po ‘yan ay kailangan po tayong magpabakuna ulit. Katulad po ‘yan ng flu na dapat ay every year nabibigyan tayo (If it gets implemented, we have to get vaccinated again. This is like a flu vaccine that should be given every year),” he added.