Vaccine Acceptance In CAR Remains Low

February 23, 2021 JUST IN

BAGUIO CITY (February 23, 2021) – Most people in the highland Cordillera region remain hesitant to take anti-Covid 19 vaccination, even if authorities are going round the clock to assure its safety and effectiveness.
The acceptance rate of the anti-Covid vaccines is still low among the indigent families here in the Cordillera Region, DSWD Cordillera regional director Leo Quintilla said basing it on their latest survery to 4Ps members and those under the “Listahanan” list of households.
Most of the respondents, said the agency director, are not willing to take the vaccines because of the fears of the vaccines’ side effects.
“Puwede ba akong magpabakuna, buntis ako, may sakit ako at maraming tanong,” (Can I be vaccinated even if I am pregnant, I am sick, and many other questions) he said on the inquiries of the respondents regarding the vaccines.
He traced such questions coming from the respondents show there is lack of information and the understanding on the vaccination program.
Quintilla said the DSWD is geared to conduct extensive information dissemination on the safety and advantages of the vaccines to the beneficiaries of the different social protection programs of the agency, in order to wipe out their fears. He admitted though that it is a challenge for government.
Quintilla also said that the DSWD Cordillera has already prepared the list of the poor residents of the region who will be prioritized whenever the vaccines are available.
Artemio A. Dumlao