DEBUNKING myths and biases towards vaccines is a key approach in ensuring that any vaccination plan is acceptable to the public, according to Guagua town Mayor Dante Torres, whose team had been conceptualizing a virus vaccination plan for residents of his town.
Torres had initially allocated some P5 million for the purchase of coronavirus vaccines but was quick to note that while the country is awaiting available supply, towns should now set their attention towards preparing a vaccination road map that includes a massive information campaign on the importance of vaccines in general.
“There is no use if we have a vaccine when a considerable number of the vulnerable and poor population are not so keen on getting inoculated,” Torres said, stressing there has been much negative impression towards vaccines that some are afraid to avail of one.
Torres said they initially target 30,000 residents from eligible groups like teachers and social workers, other government workers, other essential workers outside health, education, seniors and social welfare sectors.
Torres emphasized that distribution and deployment strategies must include information dissemination on vaccine importance and on the need to reiterate that health protocols are still in place despite having acquired vaccination.
“Having oneself vaccinated is not the end of it. We still need to practice minimum health protocols and should make these part of personal habits for the foreseeable future,” Torres said.