The Department of Health on Wednesday discouraged Filipinos vaccinated against COVID-19 from taking antibody tests as a way to check how effective the jabs were, saying it is best to consult a doctor first.
The DOH Spokesperson, Usec. Rosario Vergeire, said a negative antibody test does not mean that the COVID-19 vaccine did not work and reiterated that all jabs used in the Philippines underwent regulatory approval.
"The DOH does not recommend antibody testing to confirm if you are protected against COVID-19 after vaccination. A negative antibody test does not mean that the COVID-19 vaccine did not work," she said in a message to reporters.
"We advise the public to consult their doctor before doing any diagnostic test because these should only be performed with professional guidance," she added.
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The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier warned against antibody testing after getting vaccinated since further study is needed in people who have received the jabs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that currently authorized SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests had not been evaluated to assess the level of protection provided by an immune response to COVID-19 vaccination.
"You should not interpret the results of your SARS-CoV-2 antibody test as an indication of a specific level of immunity or protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, even the U.S. CDC doesn't recommend antibody testing after getting vaccinated," the U.S. FDA said in an earlier advisory.
Vergeire assured the public that vaccines used in the Philippines were reviewed to ensure that they are safe and effective against COVID-19.
She reminded Filipinos too that even if they have received their COVID-19 vaccines, they should still observe minimum health standards such as the observance of physical distancing.
The Philippines is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination program to economic frontliners this June as it continues to inoculate health workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities.
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