Hontiveros urges better vaccination program to allay public anxiety

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday urged the Department of Health and local government units to work closely with barangay health workers to improve community-based vaccination programs once the Philippines begins its vaccine distribution against COVID-19.

In a statement, Hontiveros said LGUs should start mobilizing its BHWs to start surveying communities so that the DOH could create a program that would directly respond to the people’s virus anxieties in the area.

Hontiveros’ statement came after reports that 31 percent of Filipinos are unwilling to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Many people have become distrustful of vaccines, despite scientific evidence that it can save their lives. It is imperative that we educate people, not only through the media. We need to bring the positive conversation around vaccines to their immediate social circles, down to individual households. Our BHWs can be the starting point for that,” said Hontiveros.

“An important part also of restoring confidence in vaccination is ensuring that all verified information is translated in the local tongue.”

A vaccine scare was felt in the Philippine populace during the Dengvaxia mess that led to the deaths of scores of children.

It was also hyped up when Public Attorneys Office Chief Atty. Persida Acosta, who is not a doctor, began releasing claims on the effects of the vaccine.

Hontiveros said that it’s imperative for the DOH, LGUs, and the National Telecommunications Commission to mount a “mega” vaccine confidence project in 2021.

These programs, Hontiveros said, would be broadcast across the country and would be designed to suit the specific regions it would be shown on.

“We should explore all media, from television, radio and hopefully even text messages. ‘Vaccine confidence’ should be our serious 2021 national public health project. Not just for the COVID-19 vaccine, but for all other vaccines, existing and future. It is one of the most important ways to secure the health of the public,” said Hontiveros.

The opposition senator cited the measles and polio outbreaks that went on a resurgence in 2020 despite vaccines already available to combat the diseases.

“These are harmful but preventable diseases that could have been controlled, and even eradicated, with vaccine confidence. It is our responsibility to the public to ensure all existing measures to keep them safe and healthy,” said Hontiveros.

“Trust and information is so important in a public health crisis. The best way to start the new year is to slowly earn the public’s trust again and to use that to pave the way to health for all.” [ac]