TAKING part in the country’s Resbakuna campaign, the Student Executive Council (SEC) organized the event “VACC to Normal: A Webinar on COVID-19 Vaccines and Variants” on Aug. 27 via Zoom and Facebook Live.

The participants were warmly welcomed by hosts Jacob Herrera (II-BACMS) and Fritzen Aldaba (I-BAP). This was followed by the opening prayer and Bible reflection led by the Bedan Liturgical Ministries. Prof. Roma Wynn Sedo, Prefect of Student Activities, explained in her opening remarks the objectives of the event: to inform and educate the CAS community about the different COVID-19 variants and to dismiss misinformation proliferating about the vaccines available in the country.

In addition to the goals mentioned above, the SEC took advantage of the opportunity to launch a donation drive for the Las Piñas Persons with Disability Federation, Inc. The organization, which has been in service for more than 40 years now, supports people with disabilities and children who cannot go to school.

Dr. Analiza C. Tatad, Health and Services Head of SBCA, was the webinar speaker. She reviewed the history of COVID infections in the Philippines and tackled the different COVID-19 variants (especially the Delta variant), the various vaccines available, and common questions asked after vaccinations.

Dangerous Delta

Tatad enumerated the three classifications of COVID-19 variants: 1) Variant of Interest, 2) Variant of Concern, and 3) Variant of High Consequence. She informed participants that the Delta variant is classified as a Variant of Concern and that it is a big concern not only of the country but also of the entire world.

Vaccine Alone is Not the Solution

In her talk, Tatad emphasized that: “COVID-19 vaccines are powerful [tools], but [are] not silver bullet[s] to end the pandemic.” She explained this by saying that even if a person is already vaccinated, “breakthroughs” can still happen. With this, she introduced the Department of Health’s BIDA Behaviors: B-awal walang mask; I-sanitize ang kamay, iwas hawak sa mga bagay; D-umistansya ng isang metro; and A-lamin ang totoong impormasyon. “Even if the vaccines protect us from symptoms [of] moderate to severe forms of COVID- 19, you should still protect yourself and your family by practicing the BIDA Behaviors,” she added.

“Napakahirap ngayon magkasakit. Hospitals are full, overwhelmed na naman ang healthcare workers,” Tatad expressed as she reminded the audience about the importance of caring not only for oneself but also thinking of the whole population.

FAQs after the Vax

Tatad discussed the frequently asked questions of persons after being vaccinated. At this juncture, she addressed the issue of possible side effects and the corresponding measures that should be undertaken. She also gave tips on what to do after vaccination. Tatad emphasized that newly-vaccinated persons should always be attentive to side effects and they should consult a medical practitioner and/or head to the nearest hospital if severe side effects are experienced.

Tatad likewise presented a pie graph of the vaccination status of the CAS faculty and staff as of August. In the survey, 43 employees were the respondents. Around 76% or 33 of them were already vaccinated. Of all the respondents, 25.6% are full-time faculty members, 37.2% are CAS administrators, and 14% are non-teaching staff. However, 23% or 10 respondents have no record of vaccinations yet. Among the topics raised in the open forum that followed were vaccine hesitancy and the effectiveness of face shields, double face masks, and ultraviolet lights.

Samtah Dae Ducut (IV-BSP), 4th year level representative, delivered the closing remarks followed by a closing prayer led by 2nd year level representative Francesca Medina (II-BAP). Both students are the project heads of the event which was capped off by the singing of the Bedan Hymn.