key: cord-1007218-qe29a5g3
authors: Cordero, Dalmacito A.
title: A More Contextualized Approach: Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the Philippines
date: 2022-02-24
journal: Infect Chemother
DOI: 10.3947/ic.2022.0012
sha: 4f4647db159aec305dc49fc492aecb1cfb473b2f
doc_id: 1007218
cord_uid: qe29a5g3

nan

In a recent article published in this journal, Lamptey posed a relevant concern regarding whether the breakthroughs in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection should affect our confidence in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. This is in relation to the fact that some individuals were infected with SARS-CoV-2 after immunization [1] . The author then concluded that vaccination is still the key strategy to eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic globally and that we should increase our confidence in the vaccines. Lamptey made a very reasonable argument in pointing out the importance of vaccines in achieving herd immunity despite the possible side effects. The more relevant question now is how do we lessen vaccine hesitancy and convince more people to get inoculated?

In the Philippines, there are only 59 million locals (53.9% of the total population) who have completed the second dose [2] for a country with almost 120 million people. Among the factors of this 'unconvinced' attitude is misinformation about the vaccines -specifically their inefficacy and harmful side effects; some citizens also preferred vaccine brands; and lastly, cultural/religious beliefs that are contrary to science and health [3] . Even if vaccines are available, some Filipinos are still 'possessed' by these factors which enable them to continuously refuse getting inoculated. Different proposals have been suggested by various authors to address vaccine hesitancy, such as: religious leaders can affirm the efficacy of currently authorized vaccines since the country's population is mostly Christians [4] ; a coordinated strategic multilateral cooperation for Europe and United States of America to address global COVID-19 response against 'infodemic' or 'myths and conspiracy theories' on COVID-19 vaccines [5] ; and a more 'localized' public education and role-modelling from public officials and health authorities [6] .

On the other hand, I proposed that a more contextual approach must be implemented. The latest statistics shows that there are 78.5 million social media users in the Philippines which make the country as the highest across the Asia Pacific region [7] . With this, a massive information campaign utilizing the various social media platforms seems to be feasible. It is only a matter of harmonious collaboration between the private and government sectors. They can hire skilled and talented information technology experts to create a well-designed digital campaign and get the job done. Another possible intervention is an approach that is economic in nature. Many Filipinos are currently experiencing hunger and poverty as caused by the pandemic. With this, giving of monetary or food incentives will be a big help most especially to the needy ones. Grocery bags, sack of rice, or a decent amount can surely encourage locals to get vaccinated. A hungry stomach still weighs more than any thoughts of the vaccine's side effects. These approaches, if properly implemented, may help in building up one's confidence in the vaccines, thus, addressing the problem effectively.

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