No reason to believe vaccine caused death of midwife who succumbed to COVID-19 after 1st jab —DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday stood firm that the benefits of getting a vaccine against COVID-19 outweigh its risks, saying that the vaccine cannot cause coronavirus infection.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire issued the statement following a report of a midwife who received her first jab but succumbed to the infectious disease 13 days later.

“We are aware of this unfortunate situation. The DOH-CHD (Department of Health-Center for Health Development Cagayan Valley has likewise released an official statement,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a statement.

Elvira Estera, a midwife in San Mateo, Isabela, succumbed to COVID-19, 13 days after she received her first dose of vaccine against the illness. 

According to a report on “State of the Nation,” the local government of San Mateo said Estera was a municipal midwife at the Rural Health Unit (RHU).

Estera’s swab test yielded positive results after she received the vaccine.

At least 15 other individuals at the RHU also tested positive for COVID-19. Some of them are also healthcare workers who already received the vaccine.

“As of present, there is no reason to believe that this incident was caused by the vaccine,” Vergeire said.

“Every adverse event following immunization (AEFI) is reviewed carefully, and RAEFIC (Regional Adverse Event Following Immunization Council) and National AEFIC are currently conducting a comprehensive causality assessment,” she said.

The Health official said results of the assessment will be released to the public when the process is complete.

“Evidence shows that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination continue to outweigh the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19,” Vergeire noted.

“We also wish to remind everyone that COVID-19 vaccine cannot cause COVID-19 infection,” she said.

The DOH official advised that all eligible priority groups continue to be vaccinated.

“We recognize that many people are eager to be vaccinated and protect themselves and their loved ones against COVID-19,” she said.

“It is important to honor the priority groups in the rollout of vaccines throughout the country,” she added.

Vaccination sites are also reminded to conduct thorough symptom and exposure screening.

“Potential vaccinees are also called on to be fully transparent when being assessed for history of exposure to COVID-19 —this is for your protection,” Vergeire said.

The DOH official reiterated that even after a person gets vaccinated with the first dose, it takes about three weeks before he or she gets partial protection.

“When you get your second dose, you may still be contagious to other people. This is why it is still important for vaccinated individuals to continue practicing MPHS (minimum public health standards) strictly and consistently,” Vergeire said. -MDM, GMA News