Health worker in Ilocos Sur in hot water for administering COVID-19 vaccine inside car

Screengrab from the viral video shows a health worker in Candon City allegedly breaching health protocols to vaccinate a resident inside a private vehicle.

LAOAG CITY—A health worker in Candon City in Ilocos Sur province is set to be investigated for an alleged breach in vaccination procedures after administering a COVID-19 vaccine to a local resident inside the latter’s private vehicle.

In a viral video widely circulating on Facebook since Aug. 2, a health worker was seen administering a COVID-19 vaccine to a resident while not wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and disregarding health protocols.

Candon Mayor Ericson Singson said in a statement on Aug. 4 that he already called the attention of the Candon health office to investigate the involved health worker. The mayor also called the attention of the employer of the local resident who was vaccinated.

The mayor said that the matter has “blown out of proportion” and that the local government does not condone these incidents.

Some netizens who criticized the incident said the health worker should have handled the vaccination process sensitively, even calling it “unfair” for those who have to wait in long lines to receive the vaccines patiently.

The health worker was placed on preventive suspension while the incident is being investigated.

Appropriate charges will be determined and filed against those involved, Singson said.

“Let this be a reminder to everyone that any irregularity in the vaccination rollout program will not be tolerated and the imposition of appropriate actions against any violators based on all applicable laws and guidelines will be carried out,” Singson said.