Jabbers: Vaccination spells love for self, others

BLESSED. Arriffah Nangco Areffuddin, a 25-year-old nurse in Parañaque City, gets her first dose of the Sputnik V jab on Thursday (May 6, 2021). She said it is her way of helping the country beat Covid-19. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

There was no hesitancy whatsoever when registered nurse Arriffah Nangco Areffuddin learned she can already avail of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Areffuddin said it is her contribution to the country’s goal to beat the dreaded disease and she fully trusts scientists and experts who certify that all Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

As a healthcare worker in a Covid-19 referral facility in Parañaque City, she said the vaccine will give her enough protection while serving patients.

After receiving the Sputnik V jab on Thursday at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay, the 25-year-old Areffuddin urged others to follow suit.

“Let’s not wait to be infected with Covid-19 before deciding to get vaccinated. It’s more important to believe that prevention is better than cure. We got vaccinated when we were infants. Why not now?,” she said.

Another jab recipient, Roman Gonzales, 55, of Baclaran, Parañaque City, has comorbidities and wants to also make sure his family, particularly his senior citizen mother, are protected from the virus.

“Our priority is the safety of our mother. At first, I did not want to get the vaccine but for her, I did it,” he shared, adding that he did not have a preferred brand. He thanked the government for pushing the vaccination campaign.

It will greatly help citizens get protected, particularly those with similar conditions and vulnerabilities,” he said.

Peofila Alapide, 63, for her part, said she did not feel any side effects after receiving the Sputnik V jab. “I am excited to complete my doses. I urge my fellow senior citizens to avail of the vaccines,” she told media.

A stroke survivor, Dennis Dacanay 54, said getting vaccinated is another way of thanking God for the gift of a second life. “It’s important to me to get vaccinated because I am a stroke victim so I really need to queue for my second life),” he shared.

“This is now my second life, a bonus for me. The vaccine is just an additional bonus to prolong my life. Thank you, Lord,” he added.

Dacanay was bedridden for three months after suffering a stroke in 2019. A few months later, the pandemic struck.

“I consider this a miracle and I am a living proof that with prayers, God listens and even in the world of sinners, I am given a chance to live again,” he said. (PNA)