key: cord-0968631-awkcni1c
authors: Cordero Jr., Dalmacito A
title: To wait or not to wait! Making a wiser decision to get vaccinated at once against COVID-19
date: 2021-07-23
journal: J Public Health (Oxf)
DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdab303
sha: bbbd7997bc07a47b184d808c86b4d0fa1548f1ea
doc_id: 968631
cord_uid: awkcni1c

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To wait or not to wait! Making a wiser decision to get vaccinated at once against COVID-19

To the editor During the past few months of this COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos were confronted with several alternatives concerning the issue of COVID-19 vaccination that needed attention. In a recent correspondence, Lacsa 1 voiced out whether COVID-19 vaccine passports/certificate must be a mandatory choice or merely be an option for the public. The author then strongly supported the idea not to force people into the vaccine passports, noting the huge social and political issues on this matter and potential issues about discrimination, privilege and exclusion of younger generation who would be the last in line to be vaccinated. Another article proposed that those persons with respiratory or 'breathing' conditions and have not yet fully vaccinated should just stay home since the basic protocol of wearing face masks and face shields may be more detrimental to their health condition due to breathing problems. 2 This was then argued by Lacsa 3 who contended that it was a questionable proposal in the case of the Philippines due to several factors, i.e. homelessness, poor access to better housing facilities, etc. Lastly, Maravilla 4 advocated the sustainability of online groups that can play a crucial role in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic because these groups capacitate the people from various sectors to collaborate and promote the common good. A reaction was then presented by Cordero 5 clarifying that these online groups were not always beneficial during this pandemic since the platform can increase levels of stress and anxiety. Thus, these can be an added calamity instead of a necessity. In line with these issues, another relevant dilemma for many Filipinos is whether they will wait for the vaccine that will be provided by their respective employers/private sectors or just grab the opportunity to get the jab as soon as possible that is o ered by the local government unit (LGU). Thus, the decision to wait for the preferred vaccine from the employers versus the any kind of brand that is available from the LGUs indeed needs much of thinking.

This article presents a clarified understanding regarding the options presented above and it is also based on my personal experience. The World Health Organization 6 firmly reminds everybody that vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19, and getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. With this, as soon as possible, everyone must not waste time to get vaccinated since the virus keeps on mutating and new variants are being discovered. I, together with my wife, was registered in our respective employers for the vaccination, but we need to wait until it is available. In fact, as of this writing, 6 July 2021, just like the majority of other private companies, the vaccines are still not available, which means that the initial supply from abroad has not arrived yet. It is only the LGUs who 'irregularly' have the supply, and from time to time, announcements are made for those who want to get vaccinated, and this is of course according to categories. After a thorough reflection, we have decided to avail of the LGU's o er. Finally, we were both fully vaccinated of the required two doses of Sinovac. While we have the right to choose when we want to get vaccinated and which brand of vaccine we think is e ective, the problem lies on the continuous activity of the virus coupled with the time involved. As the virus keeps on mutating and herd immunity is not yet reached in the country, the most reasonable decision is to get the jab done once it is available. We are not sure of having a full protection even if we follow religiously the minimum health protocols of wearing face masks/shields and practicing social distancing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all currently authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines are safe and e ective, and CDC does not recommend one vaccine over another. The most important decision is to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. 7 In conclusion, the element of time plays a very significant role in our decision to get vaccinated. As we wait for a longer period of time for our preferred vaccine brand, the risks of getting infected with the virus remains constant. As attested by experts, the virus keeps on mutating and new variants are given birth, which may be more deadly, resistant and contagious. It is better to have a protection than not to have one at all.

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