Nurses group calls for transparency, accountability in vaccine rollout

Filipino Nurses United (FNU) on Friday called for transparency and accountability in the rollout of “free, safe, and efficacious” vaccines against coronavirus “in the light of many controversial events.”

FNU said controversies such as the unauthorized vaccination of military men and the violation of health protocols by some public officials have left health workers “doubtful” of the government’s transparency with the vaccination program. 

“What we need is a more reassuring government’s statement of concern and accountability to reinforce the motivation in seeking vaccine protection. What we need is transparency and consistency in words of care and actual support to health workers,” it said in a statement.

Also, FNU called on the government to regulate vaccines and monitor adverse reactions.

“This should be done alongside a strengthened public health care system that has government-funded, strengthened public infection control measures of free mass testing, systematic contact tracing and adequate quarantine services and economic support for the people,” it said.

Inoculation of employees of COVID-19 referral centers and other big public and private hospitals is expected to begin this month. 

Under government prioritization list, frontline workers in health facilities, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities will be first in line for COVID-19 vaccines. 

The Philippines will receive 600,000 doses of China’s Sinovac and 117,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech jab in the coming weeks. 

As of Thursday afternoon, the country logged 543,282 infections with 500,335 recoveries and 11,469 deaths. —LBG, GMA News