Only 35% of Malabon residents want COVID-19 vaccine, poll shows

Only 35% of over 1,300 respondents in Malabon City expressed interest in getting a COVID-19 vaccine, a survey has found.

According to Ian Cruz’ “24 Oras” report on Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) urged local authorities to conduct a town hall to address residents’ concerns with vaccines.

“Siguro ‘yun pong ating officials from the mayor, kami po sa City Health [Office], magpapakita po kami na kami’y magpapabakuna nang sa gano’n mawala po ‘yung takot nila,” city health officer Dr. Bobby Romero said.

Malabon has identified five vaccination sites and formed five teams to vaccinate over 247,000 of its population of nearly 400,000.

In Caloocan, meanwhile, 95% of over 13,000 respondents in an internal survey were willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Sa aming mga pag-iikot ikot, pagbisita sa barangay, ine-educate namin sila na magpabakuna para sa gano’n matuldukan natin itong COVID,” Mayor Oscar Malapitan said.

Caloocan aims to vaccinate 1 million out of its 1.7 million residents.

It has designated 44 areas as vaccination sites, while each of its 165 vaccinators can inoculate 100 people daily.

In Marikina City, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said the mega COVID-19 facility can vaccinate 10,000 residents per day. 

The local government also simplified the vaccination process into three steps: registration and vaccination followed by a 30-minute observation period.

Teodoro also said the city set aside an initial P5 million to P6 million indemnification fund for residents who may experience adverse reactions.

Two polls have shown low public confidence in vaccines, with only 25% of Metro Manila residents and 32% of adult Filipinos willing to get inoculated. 

The DOH said it would launch a massive information campaign to boost public trust in vaccines. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News