STATEMENT OF SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS ON THE FDA'S GO SIGNAL TO USE SINOVAC ON SENIORS

Every time the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes a pronouncement then amends it, it adds more anxiety to a public that already has high vaccine distrust. FDA as our main regulator for food, drugs and vaccines must always communicate any updates on the science clearly, especially on something as important as which vaccines to use for highly vulnerable groups like senior citizens.

Kaya kailangan magkaroon ng Department of Health (DOH), Interagency Taskforce on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and FDA ng massive info campaign para maipaliwanag nang maigi kung bakit pwede na ang Sinovac sa mga nakatatanda. Kailangan nilang ipakita na scientifically backed ang pagpalit ng kanilang desisyon para makumbinse ang mga senior na ligtas at mabisa talaga ang Sinovac para sa kanila.

The DOH must also provide free health profiling and executive check ups for senior citizens. The info campaign and health check up will ensure that if a senior decides to be vaccinated she or he is doing it with genuine full and informed consent.

We need to take all necessary steps so that every shot of Sinovac is truly safely administered to each senior.