MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) has called on local government units (LGU) to determine the possible reasons for the non-vaccination of some individuals belonging to the A2 and A3 priority groups following reports of low vaccine coverage among senior citizens and persons with underlying medical conditions.
The DOH said identifying these issues will help LGUs “employ more targeted and localized measures to improve access and eventually scale up vaccination of these vulnerable populations.”
Among the initially identified reasons for non-vaccination of some elderly and persons with co-morbidities are internet connectivity as more LGUs implement online registration, and accessibility of designated vaccination sites.
While the national government and LGUs continuously intensify its information dissemination campaigns, the DOH said it is also prudent to assess what LGUs and vaccination sites can do more to improve access of senior citizens and persons with comorbidities to vaccination.
“Patuloy din po ang ating panawagan sa ating mga local na pamahalaan na siguraduhin na ang ating mga kababayan na nasa A1, A2, at A3 ay may access sa pagregister sa pagbabakuna,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
He also stressed that efficient registration will enable a “more organized system in identifying eligible priority groups, scheduling, recording information, and managing the flow of people in vaccination sites.”
The DOH likewise emphasized the importance of continuously improving the implementation of the national vaccination program, as the government prepares to vaccinate the A4 priority group in the coming weeks.
As of May 31, the agency reported that 1.3 million senior citizens have received their first dose while around 258,000 received their second dose.
Additionally, 1.2 million persons with comorbidity have been vaccinated with their 1st dose while around 294,000 received their second dose, it added.
The DOH also reminded those who have already received their first dose to take their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine as scheduled to acquire full protection against the severe form of the disease and avoid hospitalization.
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