Duque expresses concern over vaccination complacency

MANILA, Philippines — Some people who have been fully vaccinated seem to have become over-confident and lax about following health protocols like wearing face masks and shields.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III yesterday said it is worrisome that the public is becoming complacent with minimum public health standards, especially since the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

“There are vaccinated individuals who, on their own, no longer want to wear masks and face shields. We have to remember that not because you are already vaccinated, you will no longer be infected with the virus,” he said in a radio interview.

Duque noted there is no clear evidence that the vaccines can prevent an inoculated person from getting infected or passing the virus to others.

“What is good about the vaccines is they provide almost 100 percent protection against severe and critical COVID-19 infection, preventing hospitalization and death,” he added.

The health chief made the statements as some groups have recommended to allow those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 not to wear masks.

At a public briefing, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the agency is open to any recommendation but she underscored that the country’s vaccination rate is still low.

“This must be studied. Other countries that are now allowing these practices (not wearing of masks) have covered about 50 percent of their population,” she added.

Vergeire maintained that in the Philippines, the number of people vaccinated is still small so it is not yet safe to relax the health protocols.