Vaccine hesitancy among Filipinos caused by lack of understanding, disinformation — Andanar

Published February 03, 2021 02:45 PM By VIRGIL LOPEZ,GMA News

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday said the government has intensified its information drive to persuade Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Different contents for social and traditional media platforms are being utilized and maximized to inform the Filipinos of our vaccination program, including how it will not only benefit themselves, but also their loved ones, and every other Filipino,” Andanar said.

“We want to deliver to them the message that the vaccination program can save lives, revive hopes, and shape our collective future as a nation.”

Andanar issued the statement after Senate President Vicente Sotto III urged the government on Tuesday to carry out a nationwide information dissemination campaign

that puts emphasis on the advantages of inoculation and the health risks of not getting the vaccine.

Sotto said many Filipinos are hesitant about getting vaccinated due to speculations that vaccines are not effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Andanar echoed Sotto’s sentiment. 

“The challenge of the lack of understanding in this regard remains a widespread problem. This gets further complicated with misinformation and disinformation by some individuals and groups who claim that vaccination is not an ideal and safe option for virus immunization,” he said.

“However, with clear and concise communications and information drives, knowledge and clarity on the matter will be achieved.”

The Philippines aims to vaccinate up to 70 million Filipinos this year with the rollout expected to begin this month. Frontline health workers will be the first to receive the vaccines, according to the government. — RSJ, GMA News

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