I attended Watson’s “As a Matter of Vaxx” event at the RCBC Theater last 17th of October. The event featured medical practitioners advocating for vaccines, such as popular content creator, Dr. Kilimanjaro Tiwaqueno or more commonly known as Dr. Kilimanguru, Dr. Nicole Anne Buenavista (Board of Trustee of the Philippine Digital Medicine Society), Dr. Gilinezabel De La Fuente (Community Pediatrics Society of the Philippines), Dr. Cristina Alberto (Board Member of the Philippine Vaccination Foundation) and Dr. Minette Claire Rosario (Chair of the Adult Immunization Committee, 2019 – 2023).
The discussion was quite a reminder for me on what we went through with our second son, Lukas, when he was only two years old. I actually wrote about the free vaccines you can avail for your kids at the local health centers because of the scare we went through back then.
Stock photo source: Unsplash
We had a toddler, a two year old and an infant to raise and provide for and we were financially struggling. We were not aware of the free vaccines that time and couldn’t afford to to pay the cost of the vaccines at our pediatrician’s clinic, so our baby didn’t have any.
And he was fine for a couple of years, until he suddenly had fever and was hospitalized for a few days. We thought it was just a common flu, but then again, I noticed that our baby, who was already walking, couldn’t stand on his legs. We immediately took him back to the doctor and was readmitted for it.
Our poor baby was subjected to so many laboratory tests to find out what was causing the shaking and the weakening of his legs! The doctors kept asking us what vaccines he had already to help them figure out why he was suddenly unable to walk. And he was a baby! He couldn’t really express very well what he was feeling verbally. I was so ashamed each time I told them that our baby had no vaccinations at all. But most of all, I was terrified at the possibility that he would have polio or a debilitating disease of some kind.
Thank God, our baby, by some miracle, recovered. We never knew what he had except that each time he would be admitted for any illness, he would be given potassium through his IVs.
Because of that experience, we took our babies (our youngest had just been born) to the pediatrician to have their vaccines. Our pediatrician knew that we were having trouble coming up with funds for the vaccines, so he advised us to take our kids to the local health centers for free vaccinations.
And so we did. And that brought us so much relief!
If you want to know what free vaccinations are available for your babies at the local health center, you can read my blog, Thank God for local health centers.
Fear of vaccines
There are plenty of controversial issues on the use of vaccines, even after the pandemic was finally declared over after people all over the world had their COVID 19 vaccines. In fact, there are many rumors on how these vaccines have caused new illnesses for those who took them.
With fellow content creators from Mommy Bloggers Philippines (MBP). (Clockwise) Leilani Banzon, Macy (mymissmacy.com) and Sol Razo (Certified WAHM) 
Clockwise: Doc Aika, Dr. Minette Claire Rosario, Dr. Kilimanguru, and Tita Doc.
But the panel of doctors at the event all agree that had it was because people had been vaccinated that ended the lockdown. They talked about “herd immunity” which generally means that the more people are vaccinated, the stronger and healthier the community will be against the viruses that cause illnesses.
Unexpected benefits of vaccines
One of the benefits. mentioned at the event was that sometimes, vaccines not only prevent the illness that it was for, but also other illnesses. For example, the MMR vaccine that is used to prevent measles, mumps and rubella, may also prevent respiratory diseases.
The Hepatitis B vaccine not only protects you from contracting Hepatitis, studies show that it also reduces the risk of chronic infections that can lead to liver inflammation, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Ruffa Mae Quinto and SPIT
The panel stresses the importance of providing proper information, especially on social media where you can find too many medical advice, even from non-medical experts. This is why doctors like them – Dr. Nicole Anne Buenavista or Doc Aika on Tiktok, Dr. Kilimanjaro Tiwaqueno or Dr. Kilimanguru on socials, and Dr. Gilinezabel De La Fuente or Tita Doctora on TikTok have decided to put out short videos online, so they can provide the right information to those looking for medical advice online.
Jared De Guzman of Watson’s stated that “Vaccinations are a crucial line of defense against outbreaks. Getting vaccinated is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community. This is the message we wanted to drive home with this initiative.”
SPIT
The event was capped with a performance from the Philippines’ number 1 improv group, SPIT, who kept the crowd roaring with laughter all throughout their stint. Ruffa Mae Quinto also came and joined in the fun.
I’ve been following the group on Facebook for some time now and it was great to finally get to see them in person.
Here’s a glimpse of what happened at the event:
Vaccination at Select Watsons stores
Watson’s is not only a store where you shop for your vitamins, supplements, or medicines, it has also become a one-stop-shop for beauty products and toiletries.
As part of their advocacy in pushing for a healthy community, select branches are offering vaccinations, such as for Flu, Pneumonia 13, Pneumonia 23, HPV4, Shingles, and Hepatitis B.
To check the vaccination schedule at your favorite Watson’s branch and book an appointment, click and fill out this form: https://os.watsons.com.ph/VASS_UI/AppointmentBooking
For your healthcare needs, you can download the Watson’s mobile app or go to the nearest Watson’s.
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About the author, May Palacpac:
May was the Grand Winner of #Sinag Financial Literacy Journalism Awards in 2016 (blogger category) and the editor of the books, Productive Pinoy and Right Start. She has works published in several magazines and websites here and abroad, such as Smart Parenting, Brighter Life Philippines, Weddings in Manila, SPIFF, Sip, Dangerously Fit Bootcamp, Choc Chip Digital and Massage Champions.
May is an advocate of homeschooling and alternative education for Filipino learners, and a passionate supporter of the arts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at the De La Salle University – Dasmarinas.
For collaborations and other partnerships, email [email protected].