Is the COVID Vaccine Safe? And other frequently asked questions

The minimum public health standards or BIDA Behaviors promoted by the Department of Health (DOH) remain to be one of the best ways to keep you and your family safe from COVID-19. This protection from COVID-19 can still be further improved by also choosing to get vaccinated. Experts from around the world agree that COVID-19 vaccines can prevent you from getting severe COVID-19 and can reduce the spread of the virus to people around you.

Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the Department of Health’s Resbakuna program that you need to know.

Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccines that have been given the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe and effective. An EUA allows the FDA to grant the use of countermeasures like vaccines, if they pass the experts’ evaluation, during public health emergencies. The available COVID-19 vaccines procured by the government have been tested in large clinical trials and are closely monitored by global authorities.

Are there risks of complications from the COVID-19 vaccine?
There is a minimal risk of complications just like any other vaccine, but fatal reactions are extremely rare. Given the risk of COVID-19 in this pandemic, experts encourage all eligible Filipinos to get the vaccine because the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Are there any side effects of the vaccine?
Reactions to the vaccine may vary among people. Some may experience pain, redness, and swelling in the injection area. Others may report fatigue, muscle pain, fever, chills, headache, and nausea. Usually, these are signs that the body is building up its immune response. These side effects usually resolve on their own in 1 to 3 days.

Can you get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
No, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine because they do not carry the live virus.

Am I eligible for the ongoing vaccination program?
The government has divided the population into Priority Groups A, B, and C with the aim of reducing mortality and preserving the health system capacity of the country. Frontline health workers and uniformed personnel are given the vaccine first since they have higher risk of exposure to the virus and to allow them to continue their duties safely. Based on the arrival of supplies, the government aims to vaccinate the eligible groups from 2021 to 2023.

See the chart below for a more detailed breakdown of the priority groups.

Can children get vaccinated?
No. To date, the currently available COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines are only for those who are 18 years old and above. However, the more vaccinated adults in the household, the safer your children will be from the virus as there will be less chance of spreading COVID-19 within the family.

Can I purchase my vaccine from private clinics or pharmacies?
No. As of April 23, 2021, all COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines have only been granted an FDA EUA and are not for sale commercially.

Are there enough vaccines for all Filipinos?
Aside from the initial rollout, the government is in the advanced stages of negotiations with various vaccine manufacturers to secure vaccines for all eligible Filipinos.

How can I join the vaccination program?
Register with your local government unit and wait for further instructions on scheduling announcements.

While the vaccination program is underway, Filipinos are still reminded to protect themselves and their loved ones by following the BIDA Behaviors:

• Wear face masks and face shields
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer
• Avoid crowded places
• Ensure good ventilation at home, in the workplace, and in transport settings
• Practice at least 1-meter physical distancing from others
• Get the right information
• Support only Philippine FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines
• If with any symptoms, immediately contact your Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams or your LGU hotline

Countries are now working on vaccinating their population. As more and more people are inoculated, communities will be able to gradually return to a more normal routine. Continued practice of the BIDA Behaviors and added protection from COVID-19 vaccines can allow us to live a better normal with COVID-19.

Information on COVID-19 may change at any time as this is an evolving situation. Make sure to get your updates from trusted sources like the Department of Health's vaccine website. Follow the DOH’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Viber for the latest news on COVID-19 and report fake news through DOH’s official chatbot, KIRA (Knowledge Informs Responsible Action).