(INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines — The government’s plan not to announce the brand of COVID-19 vaccine to be administered should not infringe on the public’s right to informed consent, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said.
“Non prior public disclosure of vaccine brand may be a practical measure only to avoid delays, undue hedging and over-extended lines for a preferred brand in the government’s free vaccination program,” IBP national president Domingo Cayosa said in a statement.
“It does not and should not take away the right to INFORMED CONSENT as the citizen must be individually appraised before vaccination about the brand and other details to enable him/her to intelligently consent to OR decline the offered vaccination. The Department of Health has publicly recognized the right to informed consent,” he added.
Suggestions to stop disclosing the brand of vaccine to be administered surfaced after alrge crowds showed up in several vaccination centers where a preferred vaccine brand was scheduled for administration.
Cayosa said that despite the IBP’s statement, they still encourage people to get vaccinated.
“We encourage the vulnerable sectors to have themselves vaccinated as their turn comes. Let us all cooperate to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community and to achieve herd immunity against the COVID 19 virus. We call on all Filipino lawyers and IBP Chapters to help government and private institutions enlighten our countrymen and to show good example,” he said.