Since COVID-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and the first case in the United States was reported by the CDC on January 20, 2020, in Washington State, people today, five years later, are still confused about COVID-19 and the vaccine recommendation.
Obviously, public education about the COVID-19 virus, its spread, mortality risk, and vaccination has been deficient, or the messaging was poor. Fake news and misinformation on social media have aggravated the confusion and widespread “vaccine-phobia” among people. Over the past 5 years, this has led to massive spread and infection and countless deaths in the Philippines, the United States, and around the world.
Here are some popular questions being asked, and my clarification.
Are the vaccines worth the risk?
Edward Jenner created the world’s first successful vaccine in July 1796 by inoculating an 8-year-old boy, James Phipps, against the vicious killer smallpox. This highly transmissible, deadly viral disease killed an estimated 4 million Aztecs in the early 1500s and is thought to have caused the collapse of the Inca Empire, killing up to 90 percent of the population. Had there been vaccines against smallpox then, similar to those we have against COVID-19 and other viral diseases today, the Empire could have been saved.
Without the vaccines against COVID-19, the more than 7 million deaths worldwide from the pandemic could have been ten times more, and the 66,000 deaths in the Philippines, more than half a million, and the 1.2 million deaths in the USA, more than 12 million. Thank God for the vaccines!
Vaccines today are safe and effective. Albeit not perfect, with some complications and side effects, nonetheless, these vaccines have saved billions of lives during this pandemic.
The COVID-19 vaccines are worth it. The risk of death from COVID-19 could be 30 percent or higher among those infected, especially the elderly and other vulnerable people, and the risk of death from the vaccines is a fraction of one percent. One does not have to be an Einstein to figure this out. Just do the math!
I had my fourth COVID-19 shot last year; why do I have to take another one?
The simplest way to understand COVID-19 and the vaccines is to consider each variant of COVID-19 to be a different “disease entity,” that COVID-19 is “a series of,” and not only one disease, requiring only one vaccine. Viruses naturally replicate and evolve into a new strain over time, for which the previous vaccine of 4-6 months ago or longer will no longer be effective. A new vaccine tailored to be effective against a new strain has to be developed periodically as new variants evolve. Simply stated, one vaccine for every new strain or a couple of strains, as recommended by the FDA.
I was infected two years ago and therefore have natural immunity. Why should I need a booster shot?
Infection confers natural immunity, but it is not as stable and reliable as vaccination. Some of those previously infected with COVID-19 still got reinfected. This is why a booster with the latest reformulated vaccine is recommended, especially for those with chronic diseases, especially seniors.
What is the current strain of COVID-19 called?
In the United States, the newly dominant COVID-19 strain is the XFG, or nicknamed “Stratus” variant. Seventy-six percent of the cases during the week ending September 6 were the XFG variant, “far surpassing the NB.1.8.1 Nimbus strain” of the previous period, reports the CDC.
How does CDC track emerging variants?
Clinically, the CDC uses genomic surveillance to track emerging SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus). The viral genetic sequencing data obtained from patients provide information about the nature of the virus, its transmissibility, virulence, severity, etc.
How often does the CDC monitor the virus?
Every Friday, at various strategic sites in the USA, the CDC monitors Wastewater for the COVID-19 virus. It also analyzes the wastewater for other viruses and bacteria for various illnesses. So, wastewater is not total waste; it is a source of vital information in our fight against diseases.
What is Kennedy’s MAHA’s new policy on the vaccines?
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s personal extreme antagonism against vaccines has been tempered by both the medical authorities and public pressure.
The previous CDC recommendation was for everyone six months and older to get the vaccine. Starting May 2025, under Kennedy’s authority, (1) the CDC removed the recommendation that healthy children and pregnant women receive COVID-19 vaccines; (2) Vaccine accessibility will be limited to those adults 65 and older and younger individuals with high-risk conditions; and (3) Healthy adults under 65 must consult a healthcare provider for a prescription.
This would certainly make it more difficult for people, since their insurance may no longer cover COVID-19 shots, unlike the previous HHS policy, which allowed people to go to any pharmacy to get the COVID-19 shot any time, fully covered by their insurance.
When will COVID-19 end?
Even experts do not know. As long as there are unvaccinated people, who are the prime target of the virus and harbor the virus in their bodies, where the virus could evolve and replicate, and as long as these individuals spread the virus, the pandemic will continue. Infected people who do not mask up and distance themselves also contribute to transmission, infection, and deaths. Today, COVID infections are decreasing, but we must never lower our guard. Complacency and carelessness could spell a disaster.
From September 1 to 28, 2025, there were 1,271 new deaths from COVID-19 in 34 countries, lower compared to 1,463 in the previous 28 days, and 917 deaths as of October 5, 2025. About 88 percent of these deaths were among those 65 and older.
In any contagious condition, we need all of us to protect each other, which also protects ourselves in a vicious cycle. Studies have shown masks protect the wearer, and more so the people around.
Compassion towards all our fellowmen always yields inner joy in us and gratitude from them, and affirmation from society.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
