The problem with vaccines

"Which one will the government choose?"

With no less than five vaccines available to Filipinos next year, we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

But the problem which remains in the minds of all Filipinos is, when will this pandemic end? Will 2021 be another year in lockdown? Will we still need to wear face masks and face shields and practice social distancing wherever we go?

Santa Banana, my wife and I have not even gone out of our house since this pandemic began, except for the time I had to consult my doctor at Makati Med.

With the pandemic worsening, I am sure that the World Health Organization will say that it is far from over.

Insofar as the availability of vaccines is concerned, another problem is which among the vaccines would be best to use? And what if one has a history of allergy? Frankly, I would not take a vaccine unless my doctor advises it!

Then again, not everybody has a family doctor or even access to a doctor. This is a problem which our health experts must prepare for.

There is one way to ease the people’s concern about the vaccines. Provide them adequate information! This is a job for the Palace’s communications office.

Another concern is the availability of the Chinese Sinovac, given that many Filipinos are prejudiced against Chinese products. Will the people accept this?

All these concerns must be addressed soon. This pandemic has been with us for too long that many Filipinos are having sleepless nights wondering when it would end.

As I said in the beginning, Mr. Duterte can choose from five vaccines – Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinovac and Sputnik V. I am wondering whether these could have different effects on Filipinos. I think the best choice would be Pfizer-BioNTech since Filipinos are already familiar with the brand. Still, I hope that whatever the government chooses would be good and safe for Filipinos!

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The Senate is sitting on two House-approved bills – the establishment of the Department of OFWs and the Department of Disaster Resilience.

The lower chamber has done its job – these departments are important.

Some senators have objected to the creation of more layers in the bureaucracy since that would require more funds. But these agencies are crucial. As for the funding, there are many other agencies that can be placed under these new departments.

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Would you believe that despite the scandal caused by the so-called pastillas scam, the practice of providing visas upon arrival to Chinese tourists continues?

My gulay, this is unbelievable! It appears the Bureau of Immigration does not learn its lesson. And why is the Justice Department allowing it?