Why keeping up with vaccines even as an adult matters

 

MakatiMed underlines that a single person’s vaccines impact the health and well-being of the community.

The news of the death of 48-year-old Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu, fondly remembered by Filipinos as Sancai of the 2000s hit TV series Meteor Garden, not only shocked fans around the country but also served as a stark reminder of the potential complications that can arise from even seemingly mild illnesses like the flu.

Hsu’s tragic and untimely passing underscores the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations, even for healthy adults. As emphasized by Dr. Ryan Raymond Y. Bautista of MMC HealthHub from top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), even minor health issues like the flu or infections may significantly disrupt daily life. They may lead to lost income, increased expenses for medication or hospital confinement, or in some cases, serious health complications. Yet, most of these diseases can be prevented by keeping up with one’s vaccines.

“Even if the immune system of adults is fully developed compared to that of a baby or child, it still does not exempt them from contracting preventable and potentially fatal diseases,” says Dr. Bautista. “Vaccinations are a crucial preventive measure that can protect individuals from serious illnesses and their devastating consequences. Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated forms of bacteria or viruses, which will allow the body to recognize the disease-causing organism and produce antibodies to prevent full-blown infections and minimize complications in the future.”

With the flu season now in full swing in the Philippines, MakatiMed enumerates vital vaccines every adult should have:

Flu vaccine

A viral infection, influenza (or the flu), is marked by high fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, head and body aches, and vomiting. Of the three types of human flu—A, B, and C—it’s A and B that debilitate you with their severe symptoms. The flu can be fatal because it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Given annually, just before the start of nippy, sweater weather in January, flu vaccines in the Philippines include quadrivalent (which protects you from two types of influenza A and two types of Influenza B), adjuvanted (recommended for those 65 years and up), and jet injector (the variant given to those aged 18 to 64). “It takes about two weeks for your body to develop antibodies against the flu virus,” shares Dr.Bautista.“The vaccine protects you for a year.”

Pneumonia vaccine

Traced to the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumonia is the third leading cause of death across all ages in the Philippines. The disease can cause breathing difficulties, which can affect oxygen levels in the body.

“Adults—particularly senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems—are encouraged to avail of PVC13 (which protects you against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria) and PPSV23 (which protects you against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria),” says Dr. Bautista. “For patients over 60 years old and above, PCV13 is given as a single dose, followed by PPSV23 one year later. This series may provide lifetime protection. The latest versions of the vaccine, PCV15 and PCV20, no longer require supplementation with PPSV23. For individuals aged 18 to 64 with stronger immune systems, only PCV13 is recommended.

Tdap vaccine

Tdap protects against three bacterial infections: tetanus, also known as lockjaw as it causes painful muscle spasms especially in the neck and jaw; diphtheria, which can affect upper respiratory tract as well as the heart and the nerves; and pertussis, a contagious respiratory infection also known as whooping cough that can lead to disruptive bouts of coughing. All three infections can restrict breathing, which can be fatal.

“Adults are advised to get Tdap vaccine once if they haven’t received a shot before and get a booster every 10 years,” recommends Dr.Bautista. “It’s also given to pregnant women and for adults who are expected to be around newborns like grandparents and caregivers.”

Pain at the injection site, chills, and fever are common side effects of these three vaccines." These should subside within a few days," assures Dr. Bautista.

The temporary discomfort is certainly a small price to pay for the protection you’ll receive against these illnesses and their potential complications. Getting vaccinated not only benefits your own health and well- being, but also positively affects the health and well-being of your loved ones and community.,” says Dr. Bautista. “Make it a point to get vaccinated.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

Should You Get Anti-Covid19 Vaccines even if You have Allergies?

 

COVID-19 has changed the way we work, study, travel, and interact with people. As businesses gradually reopen across the country, employers double down their efforts to keep everyone safe.

Have you been vaccinated against Covid-19? According to reports, fully vaccinated people were 11 times less likely to die of COVID-19 and 10 times less likely to be hospitalized compared to the unvaccinated since highly contagious Delta became the most common variant.

I have a confession to make...as I write this, I have just recovered from Covid-19 virus. My husband is working as a frontliner as part of a team that works for a home laboratory. Anyway, to make the long story short, I got the virus from him and so did the rest of our household. We were home quarantined for two weeks and we were quiet about it for fear that we might be whisked off to an isolation facility and we didn't want that to happen.

Luckily, we were all completely vaccinated so we were able to survive Covid-19 by resting at home, taking in as much Vitamin C as we can, and eating nutritious vegetables and fruits. Having experienced COvid-19 virus wasn't exactly a walk in the park, it wasn't easy. COVID is REAL. We lost our sense of taste and our olfactory nerves weren't functioning well too. Food tasted so bad that I didn't have an appetite for days. I survived eating soda flakes and Pocari Sweat. I also experienced diarrhea, colds and coughs. There were times when I also had difficulty in breathing too. But glad it was all over now.

As I watched this new episode of Usapang Puso sa Puso entitled: "Pangamba sa Bakuna: Ang Puso sa Gitna ng Pandemya version 2.0", a live Zoom and FB stream lecture/talk about the Covid Virus and the effects of its anti-vaccines spearheaded by the Philippine Heart Association and hosted by expert cardiologists Dr. Luigi Pierre Segundo and Dr. Ricky Tiongco. They have guest panelists and experts such as Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, OIC-Director, DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, Dr. Regina Berba, Infectious Disease Specialist, and Dr. Marysia Stella Recto, Allergy & Immunology Specialist.

Usapang Puso sa Puso hosts Dr. Luigi Pierre Segundo and Dr. Ricky Tiongson

It was discussed during the program that If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, you need to seek immediate medical care. But even if you have certain allergies, you can still get vaccinated. 

According to experts, the immediate allergic reaction from vaccines happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress). 

“Even though there is a risk of anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction to antigen) it’s still very small — and the potential benefit from the COVID-19 vaccination clearly exceeds the potential for harm,” says Dr. Recto. “The situation is evolving, however, and we’ll learn more as we gain more experience with these vaccines.”

It's understandable that hearing about allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines can make people slightly uneasy. Dr. Berba believes educating patients on the infrequency of adverse reactions and the truth about common vaccination myths can help put more people at ease. 

"Most patients claim they got sick from a vaccine when they're really referring to a natural immune response from the vaccine. Fever, chills, and muscle aches can occur within 36 hours of vaccination because a patient's immune system is responding appropriately in developing immunity after receiving the vaccine, it's not an allergic reaction," explains Dr. Berba. 

She also adds that delayed reactions are due to immune response, as well as fatigue, soreness at the injection site and vasovagal reactions(drop in blood pressure, fainting episodes), are not cause for avoiding COVID-19 vaccines. This is especially important to keep in mind if a reaction occurs after the first dose of the two-dose COVID-19 vaccination.

Only those with a known allergy from vaccine ingredients should consider not getting vaccinated for COVID-19. And if you have an allergic reaction after the first shot, you shouldn't get the second shot. Anaphylaxis commonly occurs within 30 minutes of exposure nd would be unusual after 60 minutes. 

Patients with allergies to other medications, foods or inhalants can receive the COVID-19 vaccine with normal precautions. This typically includes a 15-minute observation period after the injection based on DOH guidelines. Again, it's always advisable that if you have questions about COVID-19  vaccines, or aren't quite sure about what you should do, talk to your doctor.

Dr. Berba adds: "Normal ang lagnat at pakiramdam na t trangkasuhin sa 24-48 hours. If MORE THAN 72 HOURS NA LAGNAT, TIGNAN ANG VACCINATED PAPERS, may mga phone numbers na nakasaad doon kung saan pwede pong mag-report. Expected na may side effects...pero very minimal lang."

Now, if you didn't feel anything, it doesn't necessarily mean that the vaccine isn't doing its job or it isn't effective. Dr. Berba says, "For me nga parang maswerte ka pa. Sa ibang tao lang, stronger ang immune response kaya wala kang mga ganitong side effects."

Dr. Segundo says as of now, only 67% of the population has received their vaccination. For those who happen to have maintenance medicines, it's okay to get yourselves vaccinated but you still have to take all your maintenance medicines along with the vaccines. 

"Sa may mga chronic illnesses, 2 months after the start of treatment, pwede napumunta sa vaccine center. Finish niyo po muna ang antibiotics. Yan po and general guide. If you have other worries, consult with your doctor. Ang vaccination sites, may quality assurance po ito. May qualifiers, criteria, a checklist to make sure ang lahat po ay safe sa sites… Pero bilang tayo pupunta dun, make sure din po na wala tayong symptoms. Walang lagnat, walang sore throat… at proper po ang face shield and mask at practice social distancing."

"Bale sa mask po, by now dapat ma figure out nyo na yung mask na bagay sa inyo."There are lots of choices for  masks now. Get something that's snugly fit. The kind that's not too loose nor too tight. Something that's just right. "

What most people don't realize these days is that vaccines no matter what brand helps save lives. Vaccines efficacy to protect you against severe disease or complications from COVID virus is what's most important. And not because you're fully vaccinated means you won't get infected anymore. You might still get infected. But it will save you from mortality, you would only get something mild and might not cause you death or hospitalization.

I myself have been fully vaccinated with Sinovac and so did my husband and nephew who were both vaccinated with Pfizer brand. But we've all had Covid too. But it wasn't the life-threatening one. Thank God for the protection we've received from our respective vaccines. 

What is the most effective brand of anti-COVID vaccine? It depends on the person's immunity. Huwag matakot magpabakuna. Walang specific brand to a specific comorbidity. Ang mga naka immuno suppressant, relatively mahina nga lang protection nila against virus. If ever may chance sila na mabakunahan, we advise them ung mga hindi live or whole virus vaccine. At ITO YUNG BIHIRA sa country natin. Kaunti lang itong group na ito. Even those patients undergoing chemo, they can get vaccinated too. 

For more information about heart health and other COVID-related topics, learn and join the discussion from Usapang Puso sa Puso episodes on Facebook. Follow the Philippine Heart Association Facebook Page.  

Join Petron's Panalo Bakunado Program

 

If you happen to have a Petron Card and you've just been vaccinated, then we've got good news for you: You might be lucky to win a motorcycle through Petron's PANALO BAKUNADO promo campaign. It is an initiative of the country's leading oil company to support the government's COVID-19 vaccination drive. 

Win motorcycles, smartphones, fuel—no purchase required

With no purchase required, all Petron Loyalty Cardholders who have been vaccinated with either their first or second dose have the chance to win in a raffle draw with the following prizes at stake: 

• Motorcycle — 5 winners

• Free Petron fuel for a year (maximum Php 60,000) — 5 winners

• Samsung S21 smartphone — 5 winners

• Free Petron Gasul for a year (maximum 12 refills) — 10 winners

• Free Petron lubes for a year (maximum Php 5,000) — 10 winners

• Petron eFuel Card worth Php 1,000 — 100 winners

LOST: A Pneumococcal and Rotavirus Disease Awareness Campaign by GlaxoSmithKline

Based on worldwide studies, the top two causes of mortality and morbidity among children less than 5 years old are pneumonia and diarrhea. Here in the Philippines, according to the National statistics, there are 37 Filipino children who die each day because of pneumonia alone. The good news is we can all do something to prevent it from happening. A campaign called "No Hope Lost" has been launched for awareness and prevention of both the dreaded  pneumonia and diarrhea.

Pneumonia is a disease of the lungs characterized especially by inflammation and consolidation of lung tissue followed by resolution and by fever, chills, cough, and difficulty in breathing and that is caused especially by infection. Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium S. Pneumoniae also known as pneumococcus which may result in life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia. It can also result to Acute Otitis Media (AOM) which is an ear infection, a common and highly prevalent disease. It also includes severe diseases such as meningitis, complicated pneumonia, and sepsis (blood poisoning), which occur when the pneumococcus "invades" the blood. The invasive forms of the pneumococcal disease are a category called Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). 

Diarrhea on the other hand is the second leading killer of children under 5 years old which had 1.4 million child deaths annually. Rotavirus Gastroenteritis (RGVE) is the common cause of diarrhea and severe dehydration in young children. Rotavirus infects every child within the first 5 years of life, irrespective of race or socio-economic status. 

I can totally relate as my son Kyle had also suffered from pneumonia on his right lung when he was five years old. We had no idea that he had pneumonia. And we sort of found out about it only at the time he was brought to the hospital after symptoms of German Measles came out of him. After he was checked by his pediatrician, we were surprised he asked for an x-ray test. And that's how we learned Kyle had pneumonia. That was more six years ago. Today, I thank God that Kyle has grown up to be healthy and is now on his pre-teen years. I knew no parent would want to see their kid suffer from these lethal diseases. We'd try our best to protect our kids in whatever way we can. Cliche as it may sound, but prevention is always better than cure. And as parents, we had the power to keep our children safe and healthy. Both diseases, rotavirus and pneumonia are highly preventable. Early protection is the key to reduce the disease burden. 

During the "No Hope Lost" launch held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Dr. Sally Gatchalian, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination Director, stressed, "You can protect your child by means of breastfeeding, hand-washing, preventing air pollution, adequate nutrition and through vaccination. The earlier a child gets vaccinated, the better. Babies can get vaccinated in as early as 6 weeks." 

"It' s the best time to raise awareness on pneumonia and diarrhea prevention. These diseases should not cause unnecessary suffering to young children. Sometimes it's just that parents don't know enough about these diseases, and they don't know that there are actually vaccines for them," adds Dr. Gatchalian. 

The Philippine government has already acknowledged and addressed this by launching Rotavirus Vaccine as part of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) where a total of 700,000 Filipino children aged 6 weeks up to 6 months of age were able to received free rotavirus vaccines. In 2013, the Department of Health leveled up this program as they introduced yet another novel vaccine called Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) in the EPI.

 Dr. Gatchalian also debunked the myths linking vaccination to autism. "There is NO TRUTH to that. Lancet has withdrawn the data hullabaloo finding on linking MMR vaccination and autism. I would like to make it clear that vaccination had no effect or whatsoever on autism. it is such a kaput issue, the doctor who created such issue no longer had his medical license to begin with," explains Dr. Gatchalian. 

GlaxoSmithKline or GSK, known as the world's leading researched-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies continues its commitment to partner with health practitioners and the government in the fight against childhood diseases such as rotavirus and pneumonia. The "No Hope is Lost" campaign embodies the need for immediate action for children to be vaccinated against pneumonia and diarrhea. 

"With the help of our dear pediatricians, and the Department of Health, we our committed ti the reduction if pneumonia and diarrhea cases nationwide by supplying quality vaccines. These diseases account for an alarming almost 50 mortalities per day in the Philippines. GSK is here to support the Filipino medical community and the government's drive to make health services accessible to everyone," added Philip Cruz, GSK Medical Director.

To lose a child is the most heartbreaking experience a mother can ever have. Hope is within our own hands, we could prevent the loss of our children and fight against pneumonia and diarrhea through vaccination--these are diseases that are now vaccine-preventable. 

Taking a Shot to Save a Life

I just heard the sad news today: Our neighbor’s two-month-old baby had just died. My heart bleeds upon knowing that an angel was immediately sent back to heaven.

Parents be alarmed: don’t dismiss diarrhea as a trivial inconvenience. Based on a recent research, in the Philippines and worldwide, diarrhea is the second leading killer of children aged less than 5 years old. Those who escape death may not be so lucky as well, because diarrhea affects nutrient absorption, it leads to lasting impact on the growth and development of a child. 

With the reduction of child mortality as part of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United Nations, saving children from rotavirus-related disease is highly preventable through vaccination.

The World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommends that rotavirus vaccines be included in all national immunization programs, particularly in countries where diarrhea deaths account for more than 10% of deaths in children younger than 5 years. In the Philippines, it is really alarming that deaths account for diarrhea is for at least 12% among children aged five in the country.

Considering that one of the key health policy directions of Aquino administration is the attainment of MDG4 specifically reduction of infant mortality rate, rotavirus vaccination is imperative to achieve the Philippines’ goal to lower this mortality rate. By preventing diarrhea deaths among children thru rotavirus vaccination, the country will be able to substantially reduce overall child mortality in the Philippines towards achievement of the fourth Millennium Development Goal by year 2015.

We need to be serious about saving our children from the grip of this burdensome by highly preventable disease,” says dr. Salvacion Gatchalian, Clinical R & D and Medical Affairs for GlaxoSmithKline Philippines,” “And there is no better way than to vaccinate our children to protect them from rotavirus, the most common cause of diarrhea which accounts for 12% deaths among children under five in the country. If properly implemented, the Philippines may be the very first country in the Asia to include rotavirus vaccine in our national immunization program.”

As parents, let’s all pray that rotavirus be included in our country’s immunization program. And while it is not yet made available in the public hospitals yet, we should learn to allot some budget for rotavirus vaccination so that our babies and kids won’t have to suffer and go through what my neighbor’s baby just went through. We surely want them to grow old and finish college don’t we? With a rotavirus vaccine, millions of children do not have to suffer the same fate.