The most devastating catastrophe ever – COVID-19 continues to destroy the lives and dreams of every living person. This is the reason why many have restored their faith and connection with god. Yes, many are holding on to prayers…praying that the world will get back to normal – the life where we are not gasping for air and our lives not numbered. Just like in 2018.

It’s been what? Two years? Two years of battle with an unseen peril of society. Two years of not being able to live our lives to the full. This is one reason why we couldn’t blame those who are waving the white flag already. And…we couldn’t stop those who continuously wish for a miracle in the form of immunization.

The world has stood witness to this – our on-going battle for revival and survival.

Last March 2021, Rappler reported that Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, director of the Philippine General Hospital, got the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine received by the Philippines. A jab made by China, Sinovac is the brand of dose injected to him. The BBC News mentioned in their article that these China-developed vaccines have 50% – 79% efficacy rate. It has side effects like fatigue, diarrhea, and muscle pain.

Furthermore, the other vaccine the Philippines has, AstraZeneca from UK, has 60% – 60% efficacy rate. And according to a Filipino medical front liner, Kristine Nuyda, she felt an extreme hotness after being vaccinated. She also experienced having sore throat, cough, and loss of taste. These are just some of the many reasons why many Filipinos are disgusted to the vaccines.

At first, they are being hopeful, praying that the lord will provide the healing for everyone. Now, they are being dainty when the primary thing they have been hoping for already fell from heaven. Such a small-dose solution is hardly labored by a lot of scientists. Possessing this Jekyll and Hyde personality is kind of abominable.

In a Facebook post by a Filipino doctor, Dr. Anne Gabriel Chan, she mentioned that she has four COVID-19 positive patients. Three of them have mild or almost asymptomatic. One of them is gasping for air and was immediately admitted to ICU. The three, almost asymptomatic patients, already completed the vaccination. Each of them got two doses. The suffering patient has not received the vaccine yet.

This is one proof that people should get injected. It is neither just about you nor just me. It’s about ALL OF US. Ergo, it would be easier for the front liners and for those in the high seats if we cooperate. This is our wish, right? For all of us to get back to normal?

We want to stop our gasps. So, we must be prepared to take the risks. Just a thought – there’s no victory without sacrifice. Agree?

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Words by the EIC 20201