How Vaccines Work
Vaccines mimic the virus or bacteria that causes disease and triggers the body’s creation of antibodies. These antibodies will provide protection once a person is infected with the actual disease-causing virus or bacteria.

• Vaccines differ in their composition and how they trigger the immune response to create antibodies. These antibodies protect the body from microorganisms and serve as protection once a person gets infected with disease. Vaccines can be inactivated, weakened or killed copies of the whole or part of the virus or bacteria, or genetic product (like mRNA vaccines) that creates protein copies without causing disease

Gusto kong magpabakuna
    Oo. Ang dami ng dosis na pwede mo nang matangap ay naka depende sa iyong edad o kalusugan. I-click para sa karagdagang Impormasyon Para sa mga edad 5-11:
    • Dalawang dosis – primary dose series para sa mga edad 12 pataas:
    • Tatlong dosis – dalawa para sa primary dose series at isang booster dose para sa mga Healthcare Worker, Senior Citizen, at Immunocompromised:
      • ​
    • Apat na dosis – dalawa para sa primary dose series at dalawang booster dose para sa buntis, nagpapasuso, at may karamdaman
Tingnan ang table sa baba para malaman anong brand ng bakuna ang maaari mong kunin at ang itinakdang pagitan o interval ng booster dose mula sa huling dosis ng primary series:
Mas marami na ang mga Vaccination site sa bansa, tulad ng mga opisina, pabrika, palengke, pook sambahan, paaralan, at transport terminal. Makipag-ugnayan sa inyong LGU para malaman kung saan ang mga Vaccination site sa inyong lugar
When will the COVID-19 vaccines be available to me?
The government is currently in the initial phase of vaccine rollout with the availability of Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sputnik V, and Janssen vaccines in the country. Likewise, the country is in the advanced stages of negotiations with the COVAX Facility and various other vaccine manufacturers.
The national government is working in partnership with our local governments to get the vaccines to you. Your local government unit will arrange for the registration and scheduling of vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization Framework

The prioritization framework for COVID-19 vaccination based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization, together with the recommendations of independent bodies of experts including the Interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (iNITAG) and the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), was formulated due to the limited global supply of COVID-19 vaccine products. With the guidance of this principle, the Philippine National Deployment and Vaccination Plan formulated strategies and contingencies to ensure the equitable distribution of vaccine products for all Filipinos.

Why do we need to have prioritization?

– To reduce mortality
– To preserve the health system capacity of the country

COVID-19 VACCINATION PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK
The priority population groups for COVID-19 immunization are as follows: Group A: A1. Frontline workers in health facilities both national and local, public and private, health professionals and non-professionals like students in health and allied professions courses with clinical responsibilities, nursing aides, janitors, barangay health workers, etc.; A1.1 COVID-19 referral hospitalsA1.2 Hospitals catering to COVID-19 casesA1.3 Quarantine/isolation facilitiesA1.4 Remaining hospitalsA1.5 Government-owned community-based primary care facilitiesA1.6 Remaining healthcare facilities (thru LGU)A1.7 Closed healthcare institutions (such as nursing homes) A2. Senior citizens;A3. Adults with comorbidities;A4. Frontline personnel in essential sectors both public and private, including uniformed personnel, and those working in sectors identified by the IATF that are directly client facing and cannot dutifully meet minimum public health standards; andA5. Poor population based on National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) Group B: B1. Teachers, social workers;B2. Other government workers;B3. Other essential workers;B4. Socio-demographic groups at significantly higher risk other than senior citizens and poor population based on NHTS-PR;B5. Overseas Filipino Workers; andB6. Other remaining workforce Group C: Rest of the Filipino population not otherwise included in preceding groups
With the initial limited supply, frontline health workers and uniformed personnel are prioritized since they have higher risk of exposure while on duty and to allow them to continue fulfilling their duties in both the public and private sectors. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and the indigent population, are prioritized guided by the principle of equity.
For priority group A1, all workers in a health facility shall be taken as a group. If the incoming supply of vaccines is lower than the population group to be vaccinated, sub-prioritization of facilities or institutions will be done based on (a) historical admission of COVID-19 cases and (b) allocated and occupied COVID-19 beds, in the following order: a. COVID-19 referral hospitals designated by the DOH; b. Public and private hospitals and infirmaries providing COVID-19 care, as prioritized based on service capability, starting from level 3 hospitals, to level 2 hospitals to level 1 hospitals, and then infirmaries; c. Among hospitals with a common service capability, the order of priority shall be from facilities owned by the DOH, then facilities owned by LGUs, and then facilities owned by private entities; d. Isolation and quarantine facilities such as temporary treatment and monitoring facilities and converted facilities (e.g. hotels, schools, etc) that cater to COVID-19 suspect, probable, and confirmed cases, close contacts, and travellers in quarantine; e. Remaining hospitals including facilities of uniformed services not catering to COVID-19 cases; f. Government owned primary care based facilities such as Urban Health Centers, Rural Health Units and Barangay Health Stations, birthing homes, and Local Health Offices to include members of BHERTS, contact tracers, social workers; g. Stand-alone facilities, clinics and diagnostic centers, and other facilities otherwise not specified (e.g. clinics, dialysis centers, dental clinics, and COVID-19 laboratories), dealing with COVID-19 cases, contacts, and specimens for research purposes, screening and case management coordinated through their respective local government units; and h. Closed institutions and settings such as, but not limited to, nursing homes, orphanages, jails, detention centers, correctional facilities, drug treatment and rehabilitation centers, and Bureau of Corrections. Sub-prioritization for other priority groups shall be released in succeeding issuances.
Yes. Frontline workers in health facilities including non-professionals like students in health and allied professions courses with clinical responsibilities are part of Priority Group A.
Yes. Frontline workers in health facilities including non-healthcare professionals like ambulance staff, janitors, administrative staff, etc. are part of Priority Group A.
The cost of vaccines for priority groups will be shouldered by the Philippine government.
Based on DM 2021-0099, otherwise known as, Interim Omnibus Guidelines for the Implementation of the National Vaccine Deployment Plan for COVID-19, sub-prioritization shall be determined by DOH upon recommendation of NITAG conducted within a priority population group through selection of geographic areas if there is insufficient incoming supply of vaccines. Sub-prioritization shall be based on: a. COVID-19 burden of disease (current active cases, attack rate per 100,000 population in the past 4 weeks, and population density); and b. Vaccination site and/or LGU readiness, in particular, its supply chain capability, to mount a vaccination campaign
he objective is to provide equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to the priority eligible groups or almost 70 million Filipinos by 2021, 60-70% of Filipinos by 2022, and followed by the remaining Filipino population in the next three (3) years.
The Government plans to vaccinate all eligible Filipinos for free, starting with 50 to 70 million in 2021. Eligibility would depend on the vaccines available, specifications for their allowable use, as well as scope of use authorized by our Philippine FDA. Commercialization of vaccines with EUA is not yet allowed under relevant FDA issuances.
This will depend on the vaccine. For those currently available, Sinovac can be given to clinically healthy individuals 18 to 59 years old, while AstraZeneca can be given to those 18 years old and above, including senior citizens. DOH shall develop a Department Memorandum for every COVID vaccine to be deployed in the country and this DM shall indicate the target or recommended age groups per vaccine.
Results from Phase II and Phase III trials of COVID-19 vaccines are currently insufficient for the pediatric age group (<18 yrs old), limiting health experts from formulating any recommendations. Further studies will help in the future inclusion of children for vaccination.
REGISTRATION AND MASTERLISTING
To prepare the country for the COVID-19 vaccination program, a masterlist will: (1) provide basis for identification of target eligible groups for vaccination and identification of priority areas for registration of eligible individuals; (2) ensure uniqueness of individuals in the vaccine administration plan; and (3) provide input to operational planning especially for costing and allocation of resources. To prepare the country for the COVID-19 vaccination program, a masterlist will: (1) provide basis for identification of target eligible groups for vaccination and identification of priority areas for registration of eligible individuals; (2) ensure uniqueness of individuals in the vaccine administration plan; and (3) provide input to operational planning especially for costing and allocation of resources.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Information Management System – Immunization Registry (VIMS-IR) shall be the official platform for masterlisting and pre-registration of individuals for COVID-19 vaccination. The VIMS platform shall also enable use of information and communications technology for scheduling, notification, and vaccination reminders.
The Vaccine Information Management System – Immunization Registry (VIMS-IR) is used only for masterlisting and as the registry of eligible population. Health facilities and vaccination centers upload their data or linelist of those who were vaccinated to the VIMS – Vaccine Administration System (VAS).
DOH will have central access to all of this data including those that are vaccinated. It is stored centrally at DICT. DOH CHDs have been given access to their appropriate data.
All Filipinos will need to be masterlisted with their full health profile prior to vaccination. But the first phase will involve all frontline health workers in the public and private sector. The schedule of masterlisting will be consistent with the ordering of prioritization in the National Vaccine Deployment Plan.
You will need to register through the Human Resource or Administrative Office of the health facility which you belong to.
Health facilities and LGUs may submit required data online through VIMS-IR, any information system linked to VIMS-IR, or physical forms for areas without connectivity. The forms are to be consolidated by the Human Resource Office of the facility and submitted to LGUs for encoding and submission to CHDs.
Personal information, such as but not limited to full name, birthday, and PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN), shall be collected to ensure no doubling of identified potential vaccine recipients. Health data will also be collected to help your vaccination team assess your eligibility for the vaccine.
The LGU or zones will determine the scheduling for vaccination. The Vaccine Information Management System (VIMS) platform shall be used for scheduling, notifying, and reminding individuals of their scheduled vaccination.
All potential vaccine recipients must present any government-issued identification card, such as PRC license, driver’s license, UMID, PhilHealth ID, or passport. In case an individual does not have a government ID with photo, any other government document, such as cedula, barangay certificate, or birth certificate may be presented.
Local government units (LGUs) are in charge of masterlisting or profiling. For other groups under eligible populations, detailed guidelines shall be developed and disseminated accordingly.
Am I eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

YES, BUT WITH SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
• With history of bleeding disorders or currently taking blood thinners
• With allergy to food, egg, or medicine
• With history of asthma

YES, BUT FOR RESCHEDULING:
• Currently diagnosed with COVID-19 or with symptoms of: fever / chills, fatigue, cough, colds, headache, sore throat, myalgia, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, shortness of breath / difficulty breathing, and rashes
• Has history of exposure to confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in the past 14 days
• Has received convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 in the past 90 days
• Women in the first 3 months of pregnancy
• Has received any other vaccine in the past 14 days
• Has had attacks, been admitted or changed medications for their co-morbidities in the the past 3 months
• Hypertensive emergency or blood pressure > 180/120 with symptoms of possible organ damage

YES, BUT NEEDS CLEARANCE FROM ATTENDING PHYSICIAN / PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER
• With autoimmune disease
• With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Cancer patients currently undergoing chemo/radio/immunotherapy
• Underwent transplant
• Currently taking steroid medications4
• Bedridden, in a vegetative state, or poor prognosis with life expectancy less than 6 months

NO
• Less than 18 years old
• Allergy to any vaccine components (e.g. polysorbate, PEG)
• Severe allergic reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis) to first dose of the vaccine

INDIVIDUALS WITH UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Yes. A patient who is allergic to the following may receive the vaccine: -food or medicine -inhalant/environmental allergens -insect bites, or -latex Provided that their allergic reactions were not connected to the vaccine or its components.
You must first consult with your doctor if you have experienced any allergic reactions/symptoms (within 6 hours) after you have received a different vaccine: – rashes/itching – swelling around the eyes – difficulty of breathing – anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
Yes. Patients with well-controlled asthma, whether on inhaled corticosteroids or not, can get the vaccine.
Yes. Patients with allergic rhinitis, whether on intranasal corticosteroids or not, may receive the COVID-19 vaccines.
Yes. Patients with cancer and who are currently, or will be undergoing active chemotherapy may be vaccinated any time before and/or during chemotherapy sessions, if they have no other contraindications to the vaccine. For those who are undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) or Cellular Therapy, they should delay vaccination for at least 3 months after transplantation or therapy.
Yes. People with well-controlled comorbidities can get the vaccines. These people may have an increased risk of getting severe COVID-19 and may benefit from the protection provided by the vaccines.
Immunocompromised persons falling under the following categories shall consult their physicians or a primary care provider to get clearance prior to vaccination. a. Persons with autoimmune disease b.Persons living with HIV c. Persons with cancer or malignancy d. Transplant patients e. Persons who use steroids, if dose and duration of steroid use is more than 2 weeks or dose is higher than 20mg daily for prednisone f. Persons who are elderly, bedridden, in a vegetative state, or with poor prognosis such as those with limited life expectancy of less than 6 months.
Consult first with your attending physician whether they would advise that you get the vaccine
BREASTFEEDING WOMEN
Yes. Breastfeeding women can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, Gamaleya vaccine shall not be administered to the pregnant and breastfeeding populations. The World Health Organization states that if a breastfeeding woman is part of a group recommended for vaccination (for example, healthcare workers), vaccination can be offered. It is not recommended to discontinue breastfeeding before or after vaccination.
Pregnancy is not a contraindication to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Pregnant women can get the vaccine with precaution, given that there is limited data on pregnant women from clinical studies. If a pregnant woman is part of a group recommended for vaccination, vaccination can be offered. It is advised to get the vaccine after the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
Yes. Those planning to get pregnant may get the COVID-19 vaccine.
No. A pregnancy test is not a requirement prior to COVID-19 vaccination. However, a pregnancy test may be done for those suspected to be pregnant (missed menses, or unsure of menses).
INDIVIDUALS WITH HYPERTENSION AND ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE
Ang bakuna kontra COVID-19 ay ligtas at epektibo sa mga may hypertension upang hindi madapuan ng mas malubhang uri ng COVID-19. Ang proteksyon na dulot ng bakuna ay mas matimbang kumpara sa side effect na pwedeng mangyari. Mas malaki ang benepisyo ng bakuna kontra COVID-19 para sa mga may hypertension.
Mag-ingat na ma-expose sa mga posibleng may COVID-19, dalawang linggo bago magpabakuna Siguraduhing kontrolado ang inyong BP ilang linggo bago magpabakuna Kumunsulta sa inyong doktor kung kinakailangan para maiayos ang gamot ninyo Inumin nang tama ang maintenance na gamot laban sa hypertension
  • Inumin ang maintenance na gamot para sa high blood
  • Magbaon ng extra na gamot para sa high blood
  • Kumain sa bahay, iwasan nang kumain sa vaccination center habang naghihintay
  • Mag-relax habang nakapila bago bakunahan
  • Panatilihing malinis ang inyong kamay, mag-suot ng face mask at face shield, at obserbahan ang physical distancing habang nasa vaccination center
Bago bakunahan:
  • Mag-relax at huwag kabahan habang nasa pila
  • Huwag uminom ng kape o anumang inumin na may caffeine 30 minuto bago magpa-BP
  • Huwag muna kumain
  • Huwag manigarilyo
  • Umihi muna kung naiihi
  • Iwasan uminom ng mga pain reliever o gamot sa sipon na maaaring magdulot ng pagtaas ng BP
Pagkatapos bakunahan:
  • Mag-relax
  • Maaaring gawin ang deep breathing exercise sa loob ng 3-5 minuto:
  • Inhale sa ilong – 4 counts
  • Hold breath – 2 counts
  • Exhale through mouth – 4 counts
  • Kung wala namang nararamdaman na malubha, maaari nang umuwi pagkatapos ng 30 minuto hanggang 1 oras
  • Magpakita sa inyong doktor kinabukasan
Are COVID-19 Vaccines safe? Do they work?
WHO defines efficacy as reduction in disease incidence in a vaccinated group compared to an unvaccinated group under optimal conditions such as in a randomized clinical trial. For COVID-19 vaccine trials, the primary endpoint is the occurrence of symptomatic COVID-19 but they are also measuring other endpoints such as severe COVID, hospitalization due to COVID.
No vaccine provides 100% protection from COVID-19. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it is possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection. In addition, efficacy is measured not only by a vaccine’s ability to prevent infection, but also in its prevention of severe forms of the disease and of forward transmission. While a vaccinated person may not be completely prevented from getting infected, s/he will still have a reduced risk of getting severe forms of COVID-19. If more people have this reduced risk, then we can more effectively reduce transmission.
Due to the relatively short observation period for Phase 3 trials, the actual duration of immunity that the vaccines provide is currently unknown. This is still being determined through continuous monitoring of the vaccine recipients in the trials. Until this is established, we must continue practicing minimum public health standards/BIDA behaviors – bawal walang face mask at face shield, i-sanitize ang kamay, dumistansya ng isang metro, at alamin ang tamang impormasyon.
The presence of antibodies can be documented using antibody tests but this is not a requirement post-vaccination and is not recommended based on current evidence particularly for mRNA vaccines.
Emerging data seems to suggest that the current vaccines protect against the new variants. However, definitive studies are still under way to determine whether the vaccines currently being used will protect against the new variants. A small in vitro study showed that antibodies from people given the BNT162b2 (Pfizer) vaccine were able to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants with the N501Y mutation (this was not the UK variant B.1.1.7, which had more mutations). It seems very likely that the other vaccines will result in the same findings, based on expert opinion.
There is currently no evidence on the need for a booster dose/s of the vaccine after the current two-dose vaccine series is complete. The need for and timing of booster doses will be evaluated as further data accumulate.
At this point, only vaccine efficacy (VE) data is available since “effectiveness” depends on many different factors and requires a longer observation period. Further, efficacy data is only available after Phase 3 clinical trials are completed. – AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) VE against symptomatic COVID-19, 14 days after 2nd dose: 70.4% (95% CI 54.8 to 80.6%) – Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) VE against symptomatic COVID-19 after 2nd dose: 94.7% (95% CI 90.3 to 97.6%) – Moderna (mRNA-1273) VE: 94.1% (95% CI 89.3-96.8%)
Clinical trial data show that this varies per individual and that different vaccines have different durations for developing antibodies. Based on available information on reported vaccine efficacy from published Phase III interim results: 1. Pfizer: 7 days after the 2nd dose 2. AstraZeneca: 14 days after the 2nd dose 3. Gamaleya Sputnik V: 21 days after the 1st dose 4. Moderna: 14 days after the 2nd dose
There a lot of factors that can affect vaccine efficacy and age is just one of these factors. Others include: 1. Technology platform used 2. Clinical trial design 3. Health status of clinical trial participants (e.g. presence of comorbidities, HIV-exposure etc. ) 4. COVID-19 risk exposure 5. Ethnicity Hence, when clinical trial results are presented, an overall vaccine efficacy is usually indicated then a vaccine efficacy for the different subgroups (e.g. according to age group, ethnicity) may also be indicated. For the vaccines already approved by Philippine FDA for emergency use, the following are the age groups in which they are allowed to be administered: 1. Pfizer-BioNTech – 16 years old and above 2. AstraZeneca – 18 years old and above 3. Sinovac – 18 to 59 years old 4. Gameleya Sputnik V – 18 years old and above The EUA terms and conditions can be updated as more clinical trial data becomes available from additional age groups or specific population groups.
What are the possible side effects?
An Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) is any of the following that may arise after vaccination: unfavourable or unintended sign and/or symptom; abnormal laboratory finding; or disease that may arise after immunization. An AEFI may not necessarily be caused by the vaccine.
AEFI reports will be assessed and forwarded to their respective epidemiology surveillance units. For serious AEFIs, immediate investigation will be conducted to determine if it was caused by the vaccine.
  • DOH Epidemiology Bureau
  • Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • National Adverse Events Following Immunization Committee (NAEFIC)
  • Regional Adverse Events Following Immunization Committee (RAEFIC)
Epidemiology and Surveillance Units will be notified immediately to investigate the reported clustering of AEFIs. The RAEFIC/NAEFIC will ultimately issue a recommendation whether or not to pause the vaccination. *two or more AEFI cases of a similar effect occur in the same place, within the same time frame, or after the use of the same vaccine
Vaccinees who develop AEFI will be referred to appropriate health facilities. Vaccination sites should be linked to a licensed health facility, which will ensure the readiness of vaccination sites, especially regarding the management of AEFIs.
The Philippine FDA and the DOH will monitor cases of AEFI. A nationwide data management system will be established to monitor progress of vaccination activities, vaccine safety, and effectiveness.
Surveillance and monitoring of AEFIs shall be done for one year post-vaccination.
The government will have an indemnification fund for all those who will experience adverse events following immunization. In cases of AEFIs needing hospitalization, costs for management of the adverse events may be claimed through existing PhilHealth case rates. PhilHealth coverage of hospitalization shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the National Health Insurance Program.
What you can safely do after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine helps to protect you from symptomatic, and moderate and severe forms of COVID-19. Even if you’ve already received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you can prevent the spread of the virus to your family and community through the following:

• Stay at home unless travel is essential
• Open windows and ensure proper ventilation and air circulation at home or your place of work
• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet, exercise, and avoid smoking and alcohol
• Monitor your health and call your Barangay Health Emergency Response Team if you have symptoms AND POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO THE VIRUS.

No, you cannot get COVID-19 FROM the vaccine because there is no live virus in any of the vaccines presently available.
Yes, there’s still a possibility that you can get COVID-19 after you get vaccinated. But, vaccines can protect you from getting symptomatic (mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19). Further, it can prevent hospitalization and death from the disease
You might have been exposed to the virus through the following circumstances:
  • Within 14 days before getting your first dose
  • In between your first and second doses
  • Before your body had built up the protection from the vaccine
  • Any gap in adhering to the BIDA Behaviors and minimum public health standards
Remember, vaccines only add to the protection provided by the BIDA behaviors (Bawal walang mask, I-sanitize ang mga kamay, Dumistansya ng isang metro, Alamin ang tamang impormasyon) and minimum public health standards.
No, the reports were of people who died DUE TO COVID-19 and not because of the vaccine. There was no relation between getting vaccinated and the reported deaths due to COVID-19
Even if the vaccine protects from symptomatic, and moderate to severe forms of COVID-19, you can add protection by doing the BIDA (Bawal walang mask at face shield, I-sanitize ang mga kamay, Dumistansya ng isang metrong layo, Alamin ang tamang impormasyon) behaviors.
No, local reactions like pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site and flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, and fatigue are common after vaccination. These are signs that your body is building up the immune response from the vaccine. These symptoms will resolve in one to three days.
Consult your doctor or nearest facility if they don’t resolve after 3 days, or if they worsen after one day.
Even if you’ve already received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you can prevent the spread of the virus to your family and community through the following: Stay at home unless travel is essential Open windows and ensure proper ventilation and air circulation at home or your place of work Maintain a balanced and healthy diet, exercise, and avoid smoking and alcohol Monitor your health and call your Barangay Health Emergency Response Team if you have symptoms AND POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO THE VIRUS.