DOH probes more videos showing error in COVID-19 vaccination
A frontliner belonging to the A1 priority group receives a COVID-19 vaccine. (File photo from the City of San Fernando Information Office)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) assured on Wednesday it is investigating more cases of COVID-19 vaccines reportedly not being injected on some individuals, as more videos of similar incidents surface.
In a statement, the health department said it is “aware of more circulating videos of prospective vaccine recipients who failed to receive a proper dose of COVID-19,” similar to the case in Makati where the healthcare worker failed to push the vaccine out of the syringe.
The DOH said that through the Centers for Health and Development, it is investigating the reported incidents in coordination with concerned local government units. It added that the CHDs and LGUs are “proactive” in reaching out to the concerned vaccine recipients.
“Patuloy po nating binabantayan at tinitingnan ang mga reports ng mga indibidwal na hindi nakakuha ng dose ng bakuna ng maayos,” said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
(We are continuously looking at reports of individuals who failed to properly get their vaccine dose.)
“Ang hiling po namin ay tayo po ay maging mas maunawain sa ating mga healthcare workers. Let’s not crucify them. Tayo pong lahat ay magtulungan upang mas maisaayos pa ang ating vaccination protocols,” she added.
(Our request is for us to be more understanding of our healthcare workers. Let’s not crucify them. Let us all help each other so we can further fix our vaccination protocols.)
The DOH said the National COVID-19 Vaccine Operation Cluster recently conducted a re-orientation on the vaccine administration protocols among regional and local vaccination teams.
The agency likewise reminded vaccinators to exercise due diligence in the vaccination process.
To avoid more incidents of vaccinators failing to properly administer the shots, the DOH earlier urged LGUs to limit the working time of nurses to eight hours to minimize fatigue, and to appoint vaccinator aides who will assist the vaccinators to minimize errors.
