Herbosa says vaccination has been reducing risks posed by Covid-19

In response to the rising number of Covid-19 cases despite widespread vaccination efforts, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa underscored that vaccinations should be able to reduce the severity of infections and, thus, make them milder.

"If you're fully vaccinated and boosted, you get a milder version of the disease. Many of us, if infected, experience two to three days of symptoms, and then we're already getting better.

That's the promise of the vaccine,” Herbosa explained during an interview with ANC on Tuesday, Dec. 19.

He also acknowledged the presence of new variants, particularly highlighting the prevalence of omicron XBB.

The Health Secretary clarified that the existing vaccines were designed to combat Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants of Covid-19.

While the appearance of new Covid-19 variants, resembling common colds, was observed, they nevertheless presented a "lesser threat" to individuals, who are in good health, Herbosa noted.

However, he expressed concern for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with immune system deficiencies and comorbidities.

Moreover, Herbosa said that while recently reported Covid-19 numbers are high, hospitalizations are not increasing significantly, indicating that the healthcare system was not being overburdened.

Meanwhile, regarding Covidrelated deaths, the Health chief clarified a shift in reporting practices.

He explained that during the pandemic, the DOH recorded anyone with a positive Covid test as a Covidrelated death.

However, in recent weeks, the analysis revealed that many reported deaths were caused by other underlying illnesses, such as heart attacks, rather than direct Covid-related pneumonia.

"They died with Covid, meaning their immune system was compromised due to major illnesses like heart conditions, diabetes, or kidney issues. Even those with pneumonia died of bacterial pneumonia, not Covid pneumonia,” he said.