As the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine commences, studies have found that an alarmingly large number of Filipinos are against inoculation. A survey conducted in February 2021 by Pulse Asia showed that 61% of respondents didn’t want to be inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine; this was similar to the January 2021 results where 47% of Filipinos were unwilling to get vaccinated.
Possible Reasons Why
The survey by Pulse Asia has found that the majority of the respondents have three common reasons for their reluctance in getting vaccinated: 84% are concerned about the safety of taking the vaccine, 7% said that the vaccine may be ineffective, and 6% said that they believe it is not needed.
Filipinos’ confidence in vaccines fell from 93% in 2015 to 32% in 2018 because of the DengVaxia controversy, which involved a French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi, that developed a dengue fever vaccine. In 2016, the dengue fever vaccine, more commonly known as DengVaxia, became a viable vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization. However, a year later, a statement was released that after getting vaccinated with Dengvaxia, children who had not yet contracted the Dengue Fever have a higher risk of being hospitalized or contracting a severe case of the Dengue Fever. Although there is still no viable proof, the public formed their own opinion that Dengvaxia was responsible for the deaths of three children, causing many people who were vaccinated to worry.
Brand Preference
The survey also found that there was a brand preference in receival of the vaccines. 52% favored Pfizer, 22% favored Sinovac, AstraZeneca held 6%, Gamaleya Research Institute had 3%, while Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, and Moderna all are each favored by 1% of the population of those willing to be vaccinated.
Currently, the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), which expedites the availability of unregistered or newly developed vaccines or drugs essential during international public health emergencies, have been granted by the FDA to the following covid vaccine brands in the country: Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Sputnik V, Johnson & Johnson, Covaxin, and Moderna.
As of June 13, 2021, 251 fatal deaths were received, most of which involved people with multiple existing comorbidities. There were no reports of fatal events that were directly associated with the vaccines in use. Meanwhile, a total of 42,879 case reports containing 97,624 suspected adverse reactions were received from the start of the vaccination program. More than one suspected adverse reaction may be reported in a single case.
The Department of Health (DOH) emphasizes that all vaccines normally have side effects; however, severe or life-threatening reactions are extremely rare. All vaccinated individuals will be monitored by health professionals to minimize risks.
Government Incentives
As of June 20, 2021, 2.1 million people out of the government’s target of 70 million people this year have been fully vaccinated.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has created incentives to encourage workers to get inoculated. Beginning July 1, 2021, they will be giving away free bicycles, along with a bag and a cellphone with 5,000 pesos worth of load under the so-called Baksikleta program for those under the A4 category.
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