TARLAC CITY — Department of Health (DOH) assured the safety of COVID-19 vaccines including the one made by Sinovac.
During the Symbolic Vaccination at Tarlac Provincial Hospital, DOH Regional Director Cesar Cassion said the arrival of vaccines is a good sign and a game-changer in the country’s fight against COVID-19.
“This vaccine is our new weapon against the virus. Any vaccine available is the best vaccine for all of us. It is clear that these vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective otherwise, the Food and Drug Administration would not approve its Emergency Use Authorization,” Cassion explained.
He stressed that the roll-out of vaccines primarily targets to prevent severe infections and deaths, and to preserve the health system capacity by prioritizing the healthcare workers which comprise the first line of defense in this pandemic.
“This is a historic day for Tarlac. Hopefully, our healthcare workers in the province will be vaccinated in the next few days through the help of our provincial government,” he noted.
“The provincial government plays a vital role in this fight. The health sector cannot do it alone, it should be done as a whole-of-government approach,” Cassion furthered.
Moreover, he stressed the Symbolic Vaccination signals the start of the government’s campaign to end the nightmare that we all have been in for the past year, adding that the COVID-19 vaccines are the glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel.
“DOH will fully implement this COVID-19 vaccination campaign and eventually stop this COVID-19 pandemic. As we say, we will heal as one and we will rise as one,” he said.