The COVID19 global pandemic has become a huge influence on practically every aspect of life; forcing global economies to stop, altering how we work and interact with our loved ones; and pushing healthcare systems to their breaking point. To stop the virus from spreading, governments all around the world have been compelled to impose strict limitations on human activity.
As the deadly virus continues to restrict our lives from going back to normal; the Philippine government is doing its maximum efforts to contain the spread of the virus throughout the year.
Now, the Philippines has finally started rolling out a nationwide vaccination program to protect the Filipino people from acquiring the virus.
Start Your Immunity Journey Today:
1. COVID Vaccine Guide: Everything you need to know
2. Covid-19 Vaccines in the Philippines: Pros and Cons
3. COVID19 Vaccine Update: Guidelines to Follow in Vaccination Centers – YOU ARE HERE.
4. COVID-19 Update: The Delta Variant and What you Should Know
5. Advantages & Disadvantages of Face Shields
6. COVID-19 Vaccine: Resetting the World with One Jab
7. Travel Guidelines in the Philippines 2021
Vaccine Rollout Update
According to ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group, as of June 17, 2021, over 14.2 million doses of different vaccine brands have been received by the Philippines:
- 8 million doses Sinovac (59%), of which 6.5M doses were procured by the government and 1M were donated by China
- 2.56 million doses AstraZeneca (20.1%), all through COVAX
- 2.47 million doses Pfizer (19.4%), all through COVAX
- 180,000 doses Sputnik V (1.4%), all procured by the government
In line with these crucial developments, it is very important to understand and follow the protocols that are being implemented by the authorities in designated vaccination centers near your area.
What to do in the Vaccination Center
This is the guidelines from Department of Health that will help you know what to do; what to prepare and what to expect when you are in the vaccination center.
Pre-register prior to the vaccination day
Enlisting yourself is encouraged to enable a seamless vaccination procedure among priority groups; according to the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan for COVID-19 Vaccines. The LGUs will assess the eligible population, register them, and schedule their vaccinations, which will be organized per area.
Those who have successfully registered for the vaccination drive will be given a vaccination date and time schedule; as well as an immunization card with a QR code to bring to the vaccination site.
Go to your assigned Vaccination Center
The vaccination activity will take place mostly in health facilities. Immunization can take place in the conference rooms, auditoriums, or other nearby temporary locations; like facility grounds, parking lots, or other open spaces.
Observe Standard health protocol
Vaccine takers must first go to the waiting area to wait for their turn to receive the shot. Physical distance and other health measures will be enforced by a safety officer stationed in the area.
Likewise, distancing strategies, both social and physical, aim to restrict the spread of disease by breaking COVID-19 transmission networks; and preventing the emergence of new ones.
These measures ensure a one-meter physical distance between people and prevent contact with contaminated surfaces, all while fostering and maintaining virtual social connections within families and communities.
Present a Valid ID and QR Code
After such, individuals who are set to be vaccinated against COVID-19 are encouraged to bring any valid government-issued Ids with them to their appointment.
Take note that Philhealth Pin number is NOT REQUIRED to get a vaccine shot.
Avail free COVID19 Vaccine Consultation
You will then be directed to a health education area on the same site, where you can speak with the vaccination staff or look over instructional materials if you have any questions. Now, If you have a comorbidity, you should bring a medical certificate, prescription for medicines, hospital records, or surgical records and pathology reports before you get a vaccine shot.
If you have any of the following conditions, bring a medical clearance:
- HIV
- Cancer / Malignancy and currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or other treatment.
- Underwent transplant
- Under steroid treatment or medication
- Bed ridden, terminal illness, less than 6 months prognosis
- With autoimmune disease
Sign a consent document
Next, Before undergoing health screening, you will also be asked to sign a consent document, indicating your willingness to be vaccinated.
Undergo health screening
After that, you must also go through a final screening process that includes a quick medical assessment to determine that you are eligible for the dose. And then, If this is your first time, you will be told when to return for your second dose.
Get vaccinated
Most commonly in the upper arm area of your body is where the vaccine will be injected. After that, in your immunization card, other vaccines and personal facts will be recorded.
Wait in the holding area for 30 minutes
The recipient must then proceed to the post-vaccination monitoring area, where he will be monitored for 30 minutes to an hour for any adverse effects.
Next, You will be given instructions on how to report any adverse effects and the locations of health facilities where you can proceed after you have been cleared.
Keep in Touch with the Center
For the first two months, a designated surveillance officer, nurse, or pharmacist will check in with the vaccine every two weeks and then monthly for the next year to see if he or she is doing well; has moderate or major Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). Phone calls, facility announcements, and notes upon receipt of documents will all be used to do this.
After such, you will also be given a time frame of schedule for your next shot (if required); so try to stay connected with the healthy person in charge.
Why is it important to be vaccinated?
Although there is still a very low possibility that you can get COVID-19 after getting the vaccine, but vaccines can protect you from getting symptoms.
Further, it can also prevent you from being hospitalized and even death from the disease.
The COVID-19 vaccine can help you from contracting the virus.
COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved after being tested in clinical trials and demonstrating that the vaccination considerably reduces the risk of catching the virus.
Even if you receive the virus, the COVID-19 vaccination may help you avoid becoming extremely ill, based on what has been proven regarding vaccines for other diseases. Getting vaccinated may help protect individuals around you, especially those who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 sickness.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a vital instrument in the fight against the pandemic.
Stopping a pandemic requires the use of all available tools. Wearing masks and keeping a safe distance from people can help reduce your risk of contracting the virus or spreading it to others, but these precautions are insufficient. Vaccines work with your immune system to ensure that if you are exposed to the virus, you will be prepared to fight it.
Vaccines have no effect on or interaction with our DNA.
COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines, which are a new type of vaccine. These mRNA vaccines instruct our cells to produce a non-lethal fragment of protein known as the spike protein.
Additionally, the spike protein is present on the virus’s surface. COVID-19 mRNA never reaches the cell nucleus, which is where DNA (genetic material) is kept. Once within your muscle cells, the instructions are used to produce the protein piece, and then the instructions are broken down and discarded.
Furthermore, the cell then deposits the protein fragment on its surface. When the immune system detects the protein, it begins to mount an immunological response and produces antibodies in order to combat the infection. Our bodies have learned how to protect themselves from infection towards the end of this procedure.
COVID-19 immunization is a less risky technique to aid in the development of protection.
COVID-19 can cause major, life-threatening consequences, as evidenced by the hundreds of patients who require hospitalization every day at UAB. Even though certain groups are affected less severely than others due to age, health, and other variables, no one can predict how COVID-19 will impact an individual.
Natural immune protection is also provided by the vaccine. However, researchers are unsure how long that immunity will remain, and the risk of serious disease and death from COVID-19 far surpasses any potential benefits of natural immunity. Getting vaccinated produces an antibody response, which protects you from getting sick.
Experts are looking into both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity as essential elements of COVID-19. Officials from the healthcare system intend to keep the public updated on new developments.
There is still a limited supply of vaccines available today, that is why doctors are advising everyone to stay vigilant, eat healthy foods, take care of their skin, have a healthy lifestyle, and stay at home with their family.
With its current status, it is expected that sooner rather than later, the Philippines will heal as one. And with the combined efforts of nations all over the world, the support of the private sector, and the cooperation of the people, this pandemic shall pass.
