No evidence showing deaths from COVID-19 vaccine, task-force chief says

COVID-19 Adverse Effects Head Dr. Maricar Ang (Screengrab)

CALOOCAN CITY, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- There is no evidence yet showing that someone died from the COVID-19 vaccine, Task Force for COVID-19 Adverse Effects Head Dr. Maricar Ang said on Tuesday.

“Wala pa pong na-prove na may namatay because of the vaccination to any COVID-19 vaccines. Wala pang proof na associated iyong mga namatay sa bakuna,” Dr. Maricar Ang said during the Laging Handa Public Briefing on Tuesday, Feb 23.

Dr. Ang emphasized the common side effects that a person vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine can experience.

“Ang common na side effects, siyempre masakit kung saan iyong site ng injection so it’s a local reaction – masakit, puwedeng namumula or namamaga, usually nawawala naman iyan 1 to 3 days,” she said.

The COVID-19 Adverse Effects task force head added that vaccinated person can also experience fever, weakness of the body, or headache that will last for few days.

Meanwhile, there is no data yet linking that pre-medications are needed to avoid any adverse effect from the vaccine.

“Wala pong data na nagsabi na kailangan nating ng pre-medications or iinom ka ng gamot before ka makapa-injection. So itong mga side effects kung lumabas man, saka na lang bibigyan ng gamot,” Dr. Ang said.

She added that the usual supportive care provided for people experiencing side effects from the vaccines are taking paracetamol, drinking lots of water, and cold compresses on the site of injection.

“Expected po iyong side effects kasi you’re stimulating your immune system ‘pag binigyan ka ng bakuna. So it’s expected na magri-react talaga iyong katawan sa bakuna,” Dr. Ang cited.

The COVID-19 Adverse Effects task force head cited that the severe allergic reactions from the vaccines are rare cases and it is usually documented in mRNA vaccines.

“I would like everybody to know na mas malaki po ang benepisyo ng magpabakuna kaysa po iyong risk ng adverse reactions. Kung mayroon man, usually iyong mga mild to moderate na local and systemic side effects,” Dr. Ang said.

She added that there will be doctors who will monitor post-vaccination and they are trained to recognize and treat severe allergic reactions. (PIA NCR)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)