Filipinos' willingness to get COVID-19 vaccine reflects trust in gov't plan —Palace

Malacañang on Friday said it was “pleased” with the result of a new survey that showed majority of Filipinos indicated they would be willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Sixty-six percent expressed willingness to get vaccinated if the vaccine is available now while 31% said otherwise, a September poll by the Social Weather Stations has found.

“We view this as a positive development as this means that more Filipinos trust the current government’s vaccination program,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“We, however, hope there will be a significant increase in the number of Filipinos willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte wants all Filipinos to get vaccines, with priority given to the poor, indigents and other vulnerable sectors,” he added.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Friday that the government plans to cover around 50% to 60% of the population for the vaccination program.

Duterte recently approved recommendations for the Philippines to enter into advance supply agreements and provide early payments to COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, as well as to allow the emergency use of vaccine candidates. —KBK, GMA News