ILOILO City – One should never let his guard down despite having been vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 6 and medical experts are not brushing off the possibility of a person contracting COVID-19 even after getting vaccinated.
However, they emphasized that vaccines can protect a person from getting symptomatic such as mild, moderate and severe COVID-19. Further, it can prevent hospitalization and death from the disease.
“Ang proteksyon nga i-offer sang vaccine after two weeks is 100 percent protection against severe COVID. So, buot silingon nga puede ka magka-COVID pero mild na lang,” said Dr. Ella Mae Divinagracia, infectious disease specialist of Saint Paul’s Hospital Iloilo.
She appealed to those who already got their anti-coronavirus jabs – like her – to never be complacent. They should continue observing minimum health standards – wearing of facemask and face shield, hand washing using soap and water or sanitizing using alcohol, and physical distancing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) itself urged Filipinos already vaccinated against COVID-19 to continue wearing facemasks.
“We know that vaccination is a safe and effective way of preventing COVID-19, but we don’t know yet if it stops the virus from infecting other people,” according to WHO-Philippines in a tweeted advisory yesterday.
Thus even if one is already vaccinated, “keep your friends and family safe,” it stressed. “You might still pass the virus to other people who haven’t.”
Councilor Candice Magdalane Tupas, who was already fully vaccinated against the virus, also underscored the same. A medical doctor, she practices minimum health protocols against COVID-19.
“I still continue to wear my complete PPE (personal protective equipment),” said Tupas.
She also stressed that being fully vaccinated does not mean one cannot be infected anymore.
“Kon fully vaccinated ka indi ka malatnan sang severe COVID, indi na mag-severe ang COVID. Kon wala ka ga-follow, wala ka ga-facemask or face shield, may chance gihapon nga malatnan ka COVID but mas baskog ang imo lawas because you have the antibodies,” Tupas explained.
She said she also observes health protocols even when at home.
“In case mabal-an ko nga I was exposed, I will wear a mask in front of my children. I isolate myself from them. Asta subong every time I come home, before I see my kids I take a bath and change into clean wardrobe, among other precautions,” she emphasized.
According to the DOH, as stated in their Resbakuna Kasanggang Bida campaign materials, even after vaccination, one can help prevent the spread of the virus to their family and community through the following:
* stay at home unless travel is essential
* open windows and ensure proper ventilation and air circulation at home or place of work
* maintain a balanced and healthy diet, exercise, and avoid smoking and alcohol
* monitor your health and call your Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams if you have symptoms and possible exposure to the virus
When could one acquire COVID-19 even when vaccinated?
The DOH says it could be:
* within 14 days before getting your first dose
* in between your first and second doses
* before your body had built up the protection from the vaccine, and
* any gap in adhering to the BIDA Behaviors and minimum public health standards
Meanwhile, WHO-Philippines pointed out that while COVID-19 vaccines are a great source of hope for everyone, supplies remain limited.
It would be some time before everyone everywhere is vaccinated, it warned./PN
