HEALTH officials in Cagayan de Oro City have reiterated the need to practice the minimum public health standards even after vaccination.
City Health Office Epidemiologist Dr. Joselito Retuya said during the city's daily press conference on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 that until the city achieves the herd immunity, the public should continue to observe the minimum health protocols, such as wearing of face masks and face shields and social distancing.
By herd immunity, Retuya said, it means that about 60 to 85 percent of the country's population is vaccinated so they can develop antibodies against the novel coronavirus.
Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) liaison officer Dr. Bernard Rocha, for his part, said the vaccines will only prevent people from dying due to the severity of the disease, but there is still no assurance that it can stop people from infecting or contracting the virus.
"Even though matagaan ka og vaccine, the vaccine for now will maybe minimize or ang severe na disease ma-minimize na to mild pero you will still get it but you will have mild symptoms," Rocha said.
"On those who get it, ang chances are na mamatay ka tungod sa severity sa disease. Makatabang ang vaccine karon to prevent that, so even though if matagaan ka og vaccine, we still have to practice the minimum health standards," he added.