A doctor from the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) in Quezon City encouraged her fellow Filipinos to not hesitate to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  

“We are looking at the light at the end of tunnel,” said Dr. Eileen Aniceto, head of the LCP’s emergency room department, as the country officially rolled out its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Monday, March 1.

Aniceto was the first recipient of the Sinovac vaccine at the LCP, which was administered by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III. 

The doctor said that the vaccines against COVID-19 are effective in preventing severe COVID-19 infection.

“All of the studies and evidence showing that all of the vaccines, they will prevent severe disease and even death. If only for that, get yourself vaccinated,” she said  in a video message posted in the official DOH Facebook page.

“It's a win-win situation because you protect yourself from dying from the disease and you protect your loved ones from dying as well,” she added. 

Aniceto said that people can choose whether they will take the vaccines or not.

“It is your choice but when you choose, don't just think of yourself. This is your chance to be a hero,” she said. 

“Kung meron kang kamag-anak na hindi talaga pwedeng mabakunahan, pwes magpabakuna ka. Kasi iyon lang ang tulong na mabibigay mo sa kanila (If you have a relative who can't really be vaccinated, then take the vaccine. Because that is the only help you can give them),” she said. 

“Go beyond yourself. Think of your family, the community, think of the Philippines kasi kailangan magkaisa tayo (we need to unite)," Aniceto said. "We have to join hands,” she added.