The COVID-19 vaccine has already rolled out in different parts of the world to achieve herd immunity and slowly go back to economic activities and normalcy.

As of June 28, 2.5 million Filipinos were fully vaccinated, and 7.5 million received their first dose. At least 70 million people must be vaccinated to achieved herd immunity, thus, we must encourage everyone to get their COVID-19 vaccines for protection.

Zenaida Gara, 36, a Community Volunteer in Aguinaldo CDP, is now fully vaccinated and has felt much safer after getting her COVID-19 vaccine.

At first, Zenaida was also frightened of the new COVID vaccines due to the fake and negative news spreading on social media. Eventually, as she is being informed and educated in her community and by Good Neighbors Philippines, she was able to recognize that getting the vaccine is for the safety of everyone.

“Sa mga hindi pa nagpabakuna, kailangan talaga tayong magpabakuna para makabalik na tayo sa normal at hindi na tayo matatakot sa ating paligid dahil may bakuna na tayo”.

(“For those who have not been vaccinated, we really need to be vaccinated so that we can return to normal and we will not be afraid of those around us because we already have the vaccine”.)

Gara can now go outside for work and go to places for errands without worrying because she now has strong immunity. But, she still strictly follows the health protocols for the safety of her family members.