FEBRUARY 2021 Volume 12 issue 132 AWARDS: 2016 Silver Anvil Award (PR Tools/Publications) • 2016 Philippine Quill MAKATIMED PROPERTY Award of Merit (Communication Skills/Publications) GRAB A FREE MAKATIMED COPY! MAKATIMED BEAT is a monthly newsletter of the Makati Medical Center

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Page 2 MMC Foundation, AFP ink partnership for military health facilities Page 3 HR conducts 1st MakatiMed Town Hall Page 4 Shining Stars Page 6 Online Fundraising Exhibit showcases MakatiMed doctor- artists Page 7 A Close Look at the Different COVID-19 Vaccine Technologies MakatiMed prepares for the vaccination program through a vaccination drill. Page 8 #MyMakatiMed Story

Commendations In preparation for the COVID-19 Support, Monitoring and Surveillance, vaccine rollout in the country, Makati Registry and Information Medical Center’s COVID-19 Vaccine Management, as well as Vaccination Task Force developed a streamlined Implementation. process and conducted webinars and As part of its efforts, the task force drills headed by Mila Uy, MD; Daryl conducted the first MakatiMed Gaba, RN; Rose Cabujat, MD; and Education & Information Campaign for Artemio Salvador, MD. MakatiMed is COVID-19 Awareness (MEDDICA) on one of the 34 hospitals identified by the January 25, 2021. The virtual forum Department of Health (DOH) to receive featured infectious diseases doctors the first batch of vaccines in the Janice Caoili, MD; Marion Aurellado- After a year of hiatus due to the Philippines. Kwek, MD; Dennis Garcia, MD; pandemic, the MakatiMed Health MakatiMed’s vaccination plan is Marysia Stella Recto, MD; and Ma. Vodcast returned with new and relevant divided among groups to address Tarcela Gler, MD who presented the health topics for the hospital’s patients specific concerns: Information and primer on how vaccines work, vaccine and social media followers. Awareness Campaign, Acquisition/ safety, how it will be deployed in the The Facebook live health show, Logistics and Risk Assessment, Philippines, and how to handle hosted by Gia B. Sison, MD, kicked off Clinical Education and Training, possible allergic reaction to the again on January 20, 2021 with guest Manpower Allocation, Resources and vaccine. doctor Valerie Herbosa, MD, Chairperson of the Department of Dermatology. With more than 5,500 views as of press time, the episode talked about “Skin Care Resolutions 2021” where Dr. Herbosa discussed basic skin care routine everyone should adapt, especially now that maskne or mask acne is prevalent. “Be very gentle on your skin. Cleanse your face at least twice a day, Janice Caoili, MD, Section Chief of Infectious Disease, moderates the MEDDICA online forum. Editorial Team from page 1 MakatiMed gears up for Address I 2 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, MAKATIMEDCOVID-19 vaccination rollout PROPERTYPhilippines Contact Number I +632 8888 The hospital also conducted a vaccination drill on February 5, 2021 where 8999 the medical staff simulated the inoculation process for medical frontliners. Volunteer employees who acted as recipients of the vaccine in the drill Website I www.makatimed.net.ph underwent vital signs assessment before proceeding to the vaccination area. Editor-in-Chief I Arlyn L. Songco After getting the vaccine, participants stayed at the observation area to check for Editorial Team I Shieyl L. Aranas; any side effects before they received a post-vaccination care kit. Mary Joy L. Fernandez Contributor/s I Juan Miguel from page 1 Velasco, MAN, RN; Olivia D. MakatiMed Health Vodcast returns on Facebook Live Oraye; Aser S. Acosta, MD; Charles M. Mendes, MD most especially after sweating and if the mask used is hypoallergenic,” said Dr. Herbosa, adding that one should apply a moisturizer before and after wearing a mask. She also advised to take a break from wearing MakatiMed a mask every now and then to let the skin breathe, especially for people whose work requires wearing a COVID-19 Hotline: mask for hours. +632 8888 8999 On its February 17 episode, the MakatiMed Valerie Herbosa, MD, Health Vodcast talked about “Life and Intimacy After a Chairperson of the Local 7335 Heart Attack” with Ramon Francisco, MD of the Department of Dermatology, explains how to take care of Monday to Saturday Section of Cardiology. the skin. Dr. Francisco candidly answered the questions 8AM – 5PM that were coming in live from the viewers. He explained that heart attack does not spare any age group, as they meet younger patients throughout the years. “As a general rule, the risk of a heart attack Employee Well-being among men starts when they reach their 40s. For Clinic (EWC) women, it’s usually around 55 or during menopause,” Teleconsultation for said Dr. Francisco. When asked about the usual question on whether patients can still engage in Ramon Francisco, MD of MakatiMed employees the Section of Cardiology sexual intercourse even after having a heart attack, Dr. discusses “Life and Intimacy Francisco clarified that they can still do so as long as After a Heart Attack”. Viber number: they already have a stable condition. 09617216291 The cardiologist also advised the viewers to have their regular checkups, stop or avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and keep an active lifestyle. As of press Clinic number: time, the episode recorded more than 9,000 views. (+632) 8888-8999 locals 2170 and 2182 MMC Foundation, AFP ink partnership for military health facilities

Executives of the Makati Medical Center Foundation, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of National Defense (DND) signed the memorandum of agreement for Public – Private Partnership for the organizational strengthening of AFP military treatment facilities on January 7, 2021. Representing MakatiMed Foundation was Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who inked the partnership with Secretary of Defense Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay at AFP Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Also present in the signing ceremony were Mary Margaret M. Barro, MakatiMed Foundation Executive Director, and Victor L. Gisbert, MD, MakatiMed Foundation President.

2 NEWS MakatiMed Beat IFEBRUARY 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 132 HR conducts 1st MakatiMed Town Hall MAKATIMEDMakati Medical Center, through the Human Resources PROPERTY leading hospital in the industry.” Atty. Almira then cited the Management and Development Division (HRMDD), held its silver lining in the past year’s challenges: overcoming the very first online town hall for the line heads titled, “All Hands” financial hurdles, keeping the workforce intact, and having on January 21, 2021. As Makatimed welcomed the new no fatality related to COVID-19 with respect to the year, the hospital aims to encourage the entire MakatiMed stakeholders. community to be “all hands” in achieving the goals for the Moving forward into 2021, she said that the hospital will year. continue the learning and development programs for the The objective of this program is to provide line heads staff, introduce new innovations in health care, and build a with information on the hospital’s 2020 performance and the productive and positive relationship in the hospital with 2021 plans and programs. focus on team work and professionalism. With 192 participants in attendance, the activity opened the opportunity to discuss various concerns from network connectivity to smooth operations flow to improve the delivery of services. Chief Finance Officer Arnold C. Ocampo presented the hospital’s 2020 year-end performance in terms of financial outcome while Medical Director Saturnino P. Javier, MD reported the medical highlights. In her remarks, President and CEO Atty. Pilar Nenuca P. Almira thanked the MakatiMed community for each and everyone’s contribution in the past year. “The year 2020 was indeed a very difficult year for all of us: unpredictable and Atty. Pilar Nenuca P.Almira, President & CEO, presents challenging. Yet, our hospital emerged as a triumphant MakatiMed’s 2021 plans and programs. MakatiMed, CEU partner for PACE Program By Juan Miguel Velasco, MAN, RN - Nursing and Patient Care Services Division The Nursing and Patient Care Services Division (NPCSD) The discussion on Maternal and Child Nursing also kicked -Nursing Education, Research and Development (NERD) off with a virtual tour of the Dr. Constantino P. Manahan Department, in partnership with Centro Escolar University Delivery Room Complex facilitated by Farrah T. Visey, MAN, (CEU) – College of Nursing, conducted a virtual education RN, Clinical Department Manager of Maternity Services and program entitled the first ‘“Progressive & Alternative Clinical Endoscopy. She gave a recap on the critical tasks of a Experience (PACE)” program via Zoom virtual platform on Maternal and Child Nurse. Eirene Joy A. Magatao, MAN, RN, January 15 and 18, 2021. This newly developed program Nurse Manager of Delivery Room 1, discussed the important aims to address and accommodate the new normal for the aspects to focus on during Neonatal Intrapartum Care. She related learning experience of nursing students. . emphasized on the role of a nurse in assisting their patients all Attended by 167 CEU faculty members and students, the throughout the phases of labor. two-day virtual program included an overview of Perioperative Both sessions were culminated by Joshua Jaime P.Nario, Nursing, as well as Maternal and Child Nursing. MA, RN, Senior Program Manager of NPCSD-NERD, who Eda Bernadette P. Bodegon, MAN, RN, Chief Nursing encouraged all the aspiring nurses to take advantage of this Officer of NPCSD and Daryl Jeremiah R. Gaba, MAN, RN, educational partnership. The programs were moderated by Assistant Director of Nursing Support Services, opened the Nurse Educators Juan Miguel A. Velasco, MAN, RN and program and highlighted the importance of having a good Brigitte V.Garcia, RN. educational background and a strong foundation to employ safe and quality nursing care. They both shared important key points on how to embrace the nursing profession and face the challenges head on. The first session for Perioperative Nursing was led by Benneth Hermie Curativo-Daus, MAN, RN, Nurse Manager of Operative Services, who provided a virtual tour of the Dr. Jose Y. Fores Surgical Suites, as well as a brief overview on the roles and responsibilities of a Perioperative Nurse. This was elaborated further by Leah Ante, RN, Clinical Department Manager of Operative Services and Central Sterilization Unit (CSU), who outlined the fundamentals of Perioperative Nursing and gave an essential discussion on what is in store Makati Medical Center speakers and moderators with CEU for Operative Nurses in the years to come. attendees.

MakatiMed Beat IFEBRUARY 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 132 NEWS 3 MAKATIMEDShining Stars PROPERTY By Olivia D. Oraye - Quality Management Division

The Quality Management Division (QMD) presented the Shining Stars award to the outstanding employees. Shining Star Award is a monthly incentive program given to MakatiMed staff, department/unit, and service partner who received commendations from patients or customers through the Patient Satisfaction Survey forms, emails, social media, or SMS. This is to acknowledge and recognize the exemplary service of the staff, as well as to promote positive workplace that inspires and uplifts employee morale.

Shining Stars awardees for November 2020:

5th Front Mary Genina Antoniette Geronimo, RN Center for Osteoporosis & Diabetes Care &Weight Jonalyn Laya, RN Justine Troy Lopez Bone Health Wellness Center Eden Noemi Lopez, RN Raphael Troy Marquez, RN Joyce Anne Marie Ferrer Maricar Fabon, RND 5th Wing Juvie Presentacion, RN Goldameir Francisco, RN, MAN Encar Gigante, RND San Claire Habaradas 8th Rear Forrest Dhaile Herrera, RRT Carlo Francisco Madarang, RN Vianca Ragrag Zurina Angeles, RN Center for Regenerative Margarita Montealegre, RN 6th Circular Tracy Justine Estillore, RN Medicine Ivy Ramallosa, RND Guian Marcko Artiaga, RN Mayette Sanchez, RN Jefferson Ferrariz, RMT E.N.T. Reginald Basco 9th Wing Shereen Kiel Vicente Snooky Angeli Baldoza, RN Regina Lyne Diccion, RN Jeannel Magtibay CLS Eye Center Myra Bebit, RN Bill Ray Gonzales, RN Ivy Jonica Mallorca, RN Joanna Marie Lemos, RN Leisal Anne Magno Joanne Tiffany Leosala Siena Marie Palentinos, RN CPM Adult Ward Celina Mangulabnan, RN Shieka Sandoval, RN Admission Dativa Blanco, RN Sheila Pablo Ellah Trixie Sarroca, RN Norma Cortes Gabriel Castillo Mizhi Nikko Regala, RN 6th Front Jason De La Torre Jenise Castillo, RN Finance-Cashiering Charmain Cartagena, RN Aesthetic Center Cheryl Guillermo, RN Marjorie Magyaya Jhoanna Joy Lim, RN Melody Arcilla Gianna Ann Malacora Melanie Moreno 6th Rear Janine Carla Reyes Imelda Osias Arnold Ocampo Romeo Han Harvey Fortifaes Breast Clinic Melanie Padilla, RN Joy Vincent Oconer Angelica Guesal Jazul Arianne Sarah De Castro Ulysses Pocpoc, RN Gastroenterology & Patrick Jay Juat, RN Camille Garcia, RRT Creative,Communications & Endoscopy Unit 7th Front Angelique Francine Giron Sales Services Jomiel Ann Bacani, RN Mariz Gillego, RN Rhea Jane Mandapat, RRT Mary Ann Lee Rhyshel Analie Fuentes, RN 7th Rear Ghani Aishah Mohamed, RRT Credit,Billing & Collections Jo Anne Cecille Lanuza, RN Dennish Galamgam Maria Elaine Palad Florencia Cruz Queen Erika Llamoso Marie Joyce Liwag, RN Macy Joan Tabog, RRT Rinette Mae Jurado Rysalyn Pagatpatan, RN Ednalyn Angelica Marinas, RN Call Center Cora Malonzo Bernadette Villena John Mark Padlan, RN Cyril Abandrio Diana Nicol Heart Station Christie Marie Publico, RN Nympha Ballesteros Shiela Pilapil Marielle Joy Abiog, RMT Jordan Sarmiento, RN Maricor Bautista Alexis Remojo Rosette Anunciacion, RN Mark Lester Echon, RN Noel Castellano Khris Ian Tejo Mary Ena Magdalene Cabrera 8th Circular Joren Gutierrez Delivery Room Ultrasound Mary Grace Dalinog, RN Angelique Nicole Magsino, RN Raffy Morandante Kimberly Calimlim Ma. Almira Dela Cruz Katrina Miranda Ma. Rowena Tabalina Riza Divinagracia Marife Esturco Riza Wagayen, RN Cardiac Catherization Emileen Pearl Echano Eunice Anne Joseph 8th Front Laboratory Ma. Nina Ferrer Erwin Rommel Ponce Moreen Baldemoro, RN Tracy Charmi Herrera, RN Princess Catherine Sayo Maribel Quintana, RN Raymond Cadenas, RN Krisllie Villadiego Ma. Esperanza Ramos

Call Center Diabetes Care and Weight Wellness Center

4 NEWS MakatiMed Beat IFEBRUARY 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 132 Nina Rose San Juan, RN Karina Opinaldo, MD John Adrian Taguiam Gielen Quiñones Donnabell Truya, RN Ramon Reyles, MD Mary Rose Ulpindo, RMT Aaron Ramil Czarina Villaceran Jaclyn Robles, MD Erika-Mei Umali Alyssa Mae Ramos, RRT HousekeepingMAKATIMEDMa. Milan Tambunting, MD PROPERTYPatient Relations Katrina Layne Supetran, RRT Mary Joy Cajes Katrina Tan, MD Deptartment Radiology CT-MRI Unit Eloisa Fernando Edward Uy, MD Christian Peter Reyes Prylle Lorenz Azucena, RRT Ladylyn Gayo Mary Milagros Uy, MD Physical Medicine & Camille Bacarra MakatiMed HealthHub Dino Roberto Vargas, MD Rehabilitation Ferghilyn Bie, RRT Ma. Xyla Belo, RN Frederick Verano, MD Yves Christian Bacareza Cheska Marie Diego, RRT Rosette Clerigo Neurosciences Center Alyssa Mae Buscaino, PTRP Edmon Javier, RRT Danielle Marie Dimaculangan, RN Brennan Smieth Aloya, RN Charisse Denise Candasa, PTRP Noriminda Libuit, RRT Christian Mancilla Mari Giselle Freyra, RN Sherysse Josel Guanzing, PTRP Donnalee Serafica Deborah Novero, RN Newborn Services Unit Kimberly Nicole Henson, PTRP Radiology CT-SCAN Oliver Patriarca Abigael Quinones, RN Almira Gail Lagurin Ivy Gail Bacud Joyce Leene Torrente Nuclear Medicine Lyca Lamtecson, PTRP Estell Joy Castro MakatiMed Wellness Center Dorothy Joyce Albalate, RMT Ray Lapena Lyssa Louise Gorgonia, RRT Allana Jean Nate Abela Roda Mae Amor, RMT Xyza Marie Martin, PTRP Arch Jaime Gualberto, RRT Elinor Clemente Ghiselle Mae Angeline De Roca, RRT Frances Jaymee Mendoza, PTRP Mara Joyce Itliong Jilli-Anne Dovino John Michael Macajelos, RMT Marielle Nicole Milan, PTRP Jeymark Layogan Paola Rica Ebarvia Rosette Ng Jay-Ar Paguio, PTRP,CLT Radiology Diagnostic Unit Moly Morales, RMT Vym Queenie Gold Perez, RMT Siegfred Jude Pedrajas, PTRP Jillianne Carla Briones, RRT Grace Tapangan Frances Diane Sangalang Janela Paula Pimentel, PTRP Julie Ann Driz, RRT Niezel Tilos Chelsea Tolentino Pia Gianilli Roxas, PTRP Radiology Nursing Maternity &VIP ServicesT2 Adrian Rey Vivares, RRT Hazel Lorraine Tagle, PTRP Ma. Karen Diane Angeles, RN Kevin Gregory Carilo, RN Nursing & Patient Care Maria Belen Tanaliga, PTRP,CLT Ritchie Cabrera, RN Uta Khen Erandio, RN Services Zoe Elisha Teodoro, PTRP Elijah Del Rosario, RN, MAN Ferdinand Foster Ailyn Santos, RN Ma. Klaryzha Jade Tristan Rafael Eduard Garde, RN Kweenie Galvan, RN Oncology Services T2 Pulmonary Laboratory Karen Rose Libayo, RN Dustin Axel Gollayan, RN Jojen Ray Garcia, RN Rico Campos, RTRP Michelle Mae Montebon, RN Nikka Jane Laguting, RN Ruby Noguera, RN Diana Joyce Nitura, RTRP Julie Ann Tandoc, RN Mary Willa Moscoso, RN Katrina Lauren Grace Organo, RN Elizabeth Pagar, RTRP Andrew Maranan Joseph Paolo Henry Tuquib Mary Zemirah Penesa, RN Jillian Robles Renal Care Services Medical Services Phillin Eleanor Sexon, RN Mary Grace San Juan Rossa Estella Batac, RN Mario Benito Bautista, MD Ebenezer Tangonan, RN Radiaion Oncology & PET Pamela Muriel Del Rosario, RN Mary Rose Bisquera, MD Operating Room Imaging Pristine Abbylaine Via Salvador, RN Estela Cabrera, MD Ariadne Louise Floresca, RN Judezza Eurain Cajucom Service Operations Janice Caoili, MD Maria Christine Gay Solomon John Paul Nachor, RRT Maribeth Mendoza Mark Paul Castillo, MD Outpatient Pharmacy Radiaion Oncology Vascular & Lymphedema Joseph Ray Richard Cedeño, MD Shiela Mae Villar Charisse Anne Aguila, RRT Center Michelle Chu, MD Pain Management Services Joseph Daniel Dichosa Emma Divina Gracia Daileg Maricelle Chua, MD Ellisse Regine Ladia, RN Andrea Yvonne Dominno, RRT Jessa Mae Gonzaga Joanne De Grano-Marave, MD Pathology & Laboratories John Patrick Garcia, RRT Carl Mico Natividad, PTRP Joel Dela Rosa, MD Aileen Anne Abacan Mark Jamil Licayu, RRT Lloyd Leandro Salacup Jay Dy, MD Eric Angeles Ainna Manuel, RRT Lenie May Villamin Sharon Leah Enghog, MD Christian Callueng, RMT Miguel Edgardo Fores, MD Clarence De Ramos Marivic Guieb-Preysler, MD Trisha Mae Labsan Connie Huan, MD Kristina Danica Lavares Maria Jocelyn Isidro, MD Jean Magdaraog Aldabelle Labanen-Cruel, MD Ardy Manaois, RMT Cleofe Medina, MD Jodie May Quintela, RMT Michaelangelo Gregorio Medina, MD John Vincent Quitoriano Willie Ong, MD Bryan Oneal Sanchez Urogynecology & Incontinence Center

MakatiMed Wellness Center Vascular & Lymphedema Center

MakatiMed Beat IFEBRUARY 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 132 NEWS 5 MAKATIMEDOnline Fundraising Exhibit PROPERTY showcases MakatiMed doctor-artists Showcasing the doctor-artists of the hospital, Makati Medical Center Diamond Club organized a virtual FUNdraising exhibit on December 10 to 23, 2020 for the benefit of the MMC Foundation. The exhibit, “HEaling ART”, featured 50 paintings by 15 doctor-artists, and four (4) featured family members of MakatiMed physicians viewable both online and on-site at the Silverlens Gallery. Through the exhibit, the doctors explored the theme of how art can contribute to the healing of patients and wellness of the Medical Staff, hospital visitors and the general public. The activity was carried out in partnership with the Medical El Toco, 2020 Christine Therese Santos, MD Staff Association (MSA), Division of Medical Education and Department of Ophthalmology Research (DMER), Art Wednesday Group and the Tropang Artista sa Pagpipinta. MakatiMed surgery doctors achieve milestones By Aser S. Acosta, MD – Section Chief, Reconstructive & Plastic Surgery

The Section of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery of the Department of Surgery recognize the achievements of two of its doctors. The Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS) has elected Benjamin G. Herbosa, MD as the organization’s president for the term 2021 to 2022. PAPRAS, the members of which are renowned surgeons in the country, is an association known as “the key opinion leader” in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. As president, Dr. Herbosa will lead PAPRAS in its mission of providing quality health care and elevating the standards of plastic surgery in the Philippines. (L-R) Aser S. Acosta, MD (Section Chief, One of Makati Medical Center’s founders, Ponciano D. Manalo, MD, on Reconstructive & Plastic Surgery); Ponciano D. Manalo, MD (MakatiMed the other hand, celebrates his 70th year of being a physician. The hospital, founder); Francisco C. Manalo, MD; and especially the Section of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, celebrates Dr. Benjamin G. Herbosa, MD. Manalo’s achievement of being a Platinum Jubilarian from the Class of 1950.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology wins at Surgical Innovation and Instrumentation Poster Contest By Charles Anthony M. Mendes, MD - 2nd year resident, Department of Otorhinolaryngology

The Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery won at the 1st Philippine Society of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Virtual Poster Session Contest on Surgical Innovation and Instrumentation. The winning poster of the research paper, authored by third year resident Joseph Ray Richard R. Cedeño, MD, Chairperson of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology; Jose Apollo L. Nepomuceno, MD; and Charles Anthony M. Mendez, MD bagged the second place on November 27, 2020. Dr. Mendez presented the poster on the research paper titled, “Improvised Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) during Surgeries in the time of COVID-19 Pandemic”. The MakatiMed entry was one of the winners among all the nationwide entries and live presentations. It was also accepted Improvised Powered Air Purifying Respirator for publishing in the Philippine Journal of Otorhinolaryngology- Head and (PAPR) during surgiries in the time of COVID- 19 pandemic Neck Surgery (PJOHNS), the society’s official research gazette.

6 HEALTHNEWS SPOTLIGHT MakatiMedMakatiMed Beat Beat I IFEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 132 AMAKATIMED Close Look at the Different COVID-19 PROPERTY Vaccine Technologies A few months into the pandemic, pharmaceutical companies promised to develop a vaccine to slow and eventually stop the spread of COVID-19. Almost a year into this health crisis, the different vaccines are now being rolled out, offering various levels of efficacy. The frontrunners of the pack are arguably the two (2) mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech (95% efficacy rate) and Moderna (95.6% efficacy rate). Countries worldwide are also keeping their eyes peeled for the vaccines made by Oxford- AstraZeneca, Janssen, Novavax, Sputnik V,and Sinovac. With these many vaccine options, it is essential to know that not all pharma companies use the same methods in concocting a safe vaccine to use. This is why they have different price points, storage facility requirements, and dosages. A disadvantage to the mRNA vaccine is that there are no Types ofVaccineTechnologies UsedAgainst COVID-19 known long-term effects for those who take it as it is still a To better understand the different vaccines that will roll out relatively new technology. However, they have produced high this year, here is an explainer on the vaccine technologies that efficacy rates and are rated safe by the Food and Drug pharma companies used to achieve a remarkable feat—stop Administration (FDA), passing the minimum standard of three the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 in record time. clinical trial stages. Studies have also shown that they are more ● Viral vector vaccines stable in building a long-term immune response in patients. Scientists have been using the viral vector method in ● DNA vaccines vaccines as early as the 1970s. This technology uses a The similarity between DNA and mRNA vaccines is that weakened version of a live virus, different from the one that both trigger an immune response in the body—using a spike causes COVID-19 and genetically modified to be non- protein through the instructions the human cells receive. infectious. However, instead of using the messenger RNA, this type of As it enters our cells, it produces a harmless piece of virus technology deals with injecting a DNA fragment directly into that mimics SARS-CoV-2, called a spike protein. Once the human cells. body recognizes that the spike protein should not be there, it The DNA fragment belongs to the DNA sequence of the triggers an immune system response and produces antibodies virus. The vaccine will introduce the tissues of a plasmid to kill what it now acknowledges as an infection. containing the antigen's DNA, subsequently triggering the The significant advantage of this technology is that other body to attack this foreign molecule, just like how it would vaccines for other diseases have been made from it, like Ebola, against any other infection. Zika, and the flu. They are also well-tolerated in humans and There is still no FDA-approved COVID-19 DNA vaccine for usually provokes a strong immune response; however, they are emergency use, but several pharmaceutical companies relatively complex to manufacture. worldwide are trying their hand in unlocking this innovation in Oxford-AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine technology. Pharmaceuticals are two COVID-19 vaccines that use viral ● Protein-based subunit vaccines vectors. Protein-based subunit vaccines use purified parts of the ● mRNA vaccines pathogen responsible for the virus, meaning that they are Many people mistake mRNA for DNA or DNA-altering incapable of causing COVID-19. However, they can still vaccines, which is certainly not the case. stimulate an immune response to the host. This is another well- As its name suggests, this vaccine technology places a established vaccine technology that is already relatively stable. viral sequence to the messenger RNA, a molecule that our cells One of its advantages is its suitability to use to carry DNA instructions to build protein. This means it immunocompromised recipients as it does not contain live does not contain a live virus, only its genetic code. This should components. This means there are virtually zero risks of the be enough for the immune system to recognize a foreign vaccine causing a disease. However, it takes longer to invader in the body. manufacture since determining the best combination for the Then, like the viral vector method, once the messenger specific isolated proteins from viral or bacterial pathogens can RNA delivers the instructions to the cells to build a spike take a while. protein, the body will produce an immune response and build Novavax is a frontrunner in the protein-based subunit immunity to SARS-CoV-2. vaccine category, and Phase 3 of its trials will begin soon. Even though both vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech The Road to Immunization and Moderna are the first mRNA vaccines to be approved, It is wise to know your options regarding the vaccines scientists have been studying mRNA technology for a long time available for COVID-19, especially now that the country has now in the hopes of possibly curing cancer. This is why it took plans to procure several types from different brands. them only ten (10) months to develop a vaccine—knowing the Understanding how the vaccines work will also give citizens virus’s genetic sequence was enough to know how to trigger peace of mind, as there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel: an immune response. immunization and a long-term solution to the pandemic.

MakatiMed Beat IFEBRUARY 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 132 HEALTH SPOTLIGHTNEWS 7 The story of Cyril Kim Climacosa, MakatiMed Cancer Center hair donor #My “2017. I was thinking of growing my hair just for the experience. I was used to getting a two- MAKATIMEDby-three haircut, a barber’s PROPERTY cut, etc., and I have also tried going bald. I thought that time, why not try to not cut my hair at all and have it grown to shoulder length? I wondered how I would MakatiMed look or how it would feel to have a crowning glory like that of a woman. Story It has been more than two years since then, and my hair has grown to more than 13 inches long. My hair and I have been together in good and bad hair days. Every day, I focus on nourishing and managing it to avoid split ends or hair fall. Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes not, but I didn’t regret my decision to grow my hair long. I love that I was able to whip my hair back and forth – and side to side, too! When I have finally decided to cut my long hair, I did not want it to go to waste. I knew that my long hair could serve a bigger purpose.” After growing his hair for more than two years, he finally had it cut and donated it to the MakatiMed Cancer Center. New Services Department/Unit Service/s Schedule

Integrative Monday – Friday Palliative & Home Flu Vaccination Couple’sPackage (2) – Homecare • Flu Vaccination Group Package (10) 8:00AM to 5:00 PM Care Services • Homecare • Echocardiogram Homecare By appointment

MakatiMed Thursday Medical Acupuncture Procedure Wellness Center 8:00AM to 10AM

Vascular & Artassist Housecall • Bandaging (1 Part) Housecall • Doppler Housecall • Manual Monday – Friday Lymphedema Lymphatic Drainage-Complete Decongestive Therapy Housecall • Manual Lymphatic 8:00AM to 5:00PM Center Drainage-Complete Decongestive Therapy Assessment Housecall • Patient Education Housecall • Pneumatic Compression (1 Part) Housecall • Taping 1 Housecall • Taping 2 Saturday Housecall • Vascular Exercise Housecall • Vascular Walk • Test Housecall • Use of 8:00AM to 4:00PM Lymphatouch (1 Part Housecall • Basic Wound Care 1 Housecall By appointment Commendations

--- 5thFront - - - Medical Services and I have no regret that I brought Ayra Aureen Alegre Dr. Abigail Zaraspe my father there. I know my father has Shella Marie Mayuela Dr. Anna Marie Sage-Nolido left this world with a peaceful heart "All doctors and nurses are kind and Ma. Xyla Canlas because of the competent doctors, approachable. Nurse Ayla and Shilla Merle Mora Samson nurses and other staff who took care showed exemplary care to me and Farrah Visey of him. my baby. They both took good care "On behalf of my whole family, I ofuswithaheart♥." would to extend my sincerest Keep the passion burning inside you gratitude and appreciation for the and be an inspiration and model to - - - Makatimed Wellness Center endless hours of service that all." Ervin Agoncillo MakatiMed staff have dedicated in "Ervin was especially attentive to my providing my father the best care in --- 8thWing request. She lets you feel at home. his remaining days left in this world. I "I'm glad sa Makatimed ako na- The ambiance here is so calming all truly admire your work and patience, admit. I feel safe. Nurses and doctors tech are very accommodating and and for providing my dad the quality are caring and approachable. I didn’t courteous. I had the best experience care he needed that I could not even experience any inconvenience." in this Wellness Center and will do because of my absence due to recommend this to friends. Keep up this pandemic. I trust MakatiMed so the good work." much when it comes to patient care

8 NEWS MakatiMed Beat IFEBRUARY 2021 I Volume 12 Issue 132