Duque: COVID-19 vaccines may arrive next week

Health Francisco Duque III on Friday said vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may arrive by next week, according to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras.”

“Ito pong su-sunod na linggo hanggang sa linggo matapos ang susunod. Wala pa ho tayong saktong araw kung kailan po darating,” Duque said in his speech at a vaccination center in Mandaluyong City.

In preparation for the rollout, authorities prepared an observation room at the vaccination center where individuals who were inoculated may rest for 30 minutes up to an hour while being observed for side effects.

“Aalamin po natin kung anong klase ‘yung adverse reaction. Kung minor, okay lang, no, kaya ‘yan. Pamantal, pamumula sa na injectionan na lugar,” Duque said.

“Pero kung medyo malubha, diretsyo tayo sa referral hospital. Mayroon tayong ambulansiya diyan,” he added.

Aid for individuals with side effects

When asked if the government will provide aid for those who experience adverse side effects from the vaccines, the Health Secretary said the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was preparing a package.

Duque also said there was a proposal in Congress for a vaccine indemnification fund for those who will experience side effects from the vaccine.

Aside from this, the Health Secretary said he may recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte to continue with the financial aid in case of fatalities.

“Kada namatayan, binibigyan ng P1 million assistance ‘yung family. So baka puwedeneg i-extend sa ganito. Dahil alam naman natin kakaonti lang naman, sana walang mangyari na ganito, pero dahil nga bago, hindi pa rin natin masiguro,” he said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News