Guidelines for NSM Seafarers Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination

Guidelines for NSM Seafarers Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination (NOVAVAX-COVOVAX)

I  –  VACCINATION PROGRAM OF THE GOVERNMENT

MARINA advisory dated May 25, 2021 indicates that the Philippine government will provide free COVID-19 vaccines for seafarers who are for deployment from July to September 2021.  The administration will be conducted in AMOSUP’s Seaman’s Hospitals in Manila, Davao, Iloilo and Cebu.

However, we are still awaiting for MARINA’s detailed information regarding the procedures for the seafarers’ vaccination program.  Pls. standby for our advise too.

II  –  FREE VACCINES FROM THE LGU’s

For seafarers on vacation, please coordinate with your respective local government unit or start searching online registration platforms to avail of the vaccine (if it is available in your LGU).  Coordinate with your respective Processor about this to ensure that you will be vaccinated with the 2 doses before your schedule to join the vessel. Give a copy of your vaccination card after you have been vaccinated with the 2 doses of the vaccines.

III  –   NOVAVAX-COVOVAX VACCINES FUNDED BY THE PRINCIPALS

Name of COVID-19 Vaccine:  NOVAVAX – COVOVAX
Local Distributor:  UNILAB   (thru FAME – Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment Inc.)
Date of  Availability of Vaccines:  July 2021

For Off-Signers:

1. Upon sign-off and reporting to NSM office (after your 14-days quarantine), you will be informed of your vaccination schedule and DOH-accredited hospital (AMOSUP, etc.).
2. Strictly follow your vaccination schedule and go to AMOSUP, etc. for the administration of the 1^st dose of the vaccine.  (Bring your passport for your identification.) Inform your Processor right after you have been vaccinated.
3. Go back to the vaccination hospital after 21 days for the administration of the 2^nd dose of the vaccine. The 2nd dose of the vaccine should be administered to you after 21 days. Otherwise, it will not be effective. (Make a calendar reminder on your mobile to ensure that you will not forget the next schedule of your vaccination.)
4. Upon receipt of your vaccination certificate, submit a copy to your Processor.

For Seafarers On-Vacation:

1. You will be informed by the HR in coordination with your Processor regarding your vaccination schedule.
2. Strictly follow your vaccination schedule and go to the DOH-accredited hospital for the administration of the 1^st dose of the vaccine.  (Bring your passport for your identification.) Inform your Processor right after you have been vaccinated.
3. Go back to the vaccination hospital after 21 days for the administration of the 2^nd dose of the vaccine. The 2^nd dose of the vaccine should be administered to you after 21 days. Otherwise, it will not be effective. (Make a calendar reminder on your mobile to ensure that you will not forget your next schedule for vaccination.)
4. Upon receipt of your vaccination certificate, submit a copy to your Processor.

NOTE:

*  Read attached documents and follow the procedures before your vaccination. (Doc. 2 & 3)  Standby for the video recording of “Orientation Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines” to be sent to your respective e-mails.

**  It is highly encouraged  by our Principals for all seafarers to undergo the COVID-19 vaccine prior to joining the vessel, to facilitate safe  movement of seafarers across countries. Thus, it is important that you follow your vaccination schedule strictly to ensure that you have been vaccinated with the 2 doses before joining the vessel.

*** For any inquiries/clarifications, you may send an e-mail/message thru FB messenger to your Processor / HR Head (email ad:  spc@nsmiph.com  /  +63 9177093870 / FB Acct: Selena Perfecto Cabañero)

Thank you!

After getting vaccinated, it is still highly recommended to follow preventive actions to help prevent the spread of  the virus:

• Wear a mask at all times. While the mask is on, be sure to cover mouth and nose; avoid touching mask once it’s on.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Maintain the 1 – 2 meter social distancing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Seek medical attention if you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, runny nose,  headache, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. Doctor’s advice such as test/s for COVID-19, quarantine period, etc. should be strictly followed.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Stay hydrated. Every time you feel your throat is dry, do not wait, keep water in hand.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray, alcohol or wipes.
• If you become sick while travelling, inform airline/airport crew and seek medical care early and share previous travel history with the doctor.

Other reminders while at home to stay healthy and fit:

• Practice personal hygiene.
• Have a healthy diet.
• Eat plenty of fruits such as oranges, grapes, bananas, apples, etc., and vegetable such as carrots, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, onion, etc.
• Properly prepare and store food. Wash and cook your food thoroughly.
• Have adequate rest at least 8 hours of sleep.
• Physical and mental exercise is encouraged.
• Keep your home clean and disinfect high-touched surfaces such as door knobs, light switches, mobile phones, remote controls, kitchen and bath surfaces, etc.