Health experts are urging the government, private sector, and healthcare providers to join forces in raising awareness about immunization benefits and tackling vaccine hesitancy in the Philippines. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen immunization programs nationwide.
During a recent webinar hosted by a leading pharmaceutical association, cardiologist Dr. Augusto Niccolo Salalima highlighted the significant benefits of pneumococcal and influenza vaccines, especially for patients with cardiovascular diseases or those at high risk. He emphasized that these vaccines can greatly improve patient outcomes.
Vaccine Benefits for Cardiovascular Patients
Dr. Salalima cited a 2022 study showing that the flu vaccine substantially reduced all-cause mortality, heart attacks, major cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular-related deaths among patients. Additionally, research from 2020 found that the pneumococcal vaccine lowered all-cause mortality by 22% in patients with cardiovascular conditions or high-risk profiles.
Despite these clear advantages, awareness remains low among older Filipinos. Another study revealed that most elderly individuals were unaware of these vaccines and their protective effects, leading to underutilization of adult immunization programs.
Awareness Gap Among Older Filipinos
A survey by a local population institute found that 70% of senior respondents were unfamiliar with the flu vaccine, while 59% had not heard of the pneumococcal vaccine. This lack of knowledge points to a critical gap in public health education and outreach.
“Immunization for older Filipinos has not received much-needed attention from physicians, policymakers, the elderly persons themselves, and even the media,” experts noted, stressing the urgency of addressing this issue.
Call for Centralized Vaccine Awareness Campaigns
Health professionals recommend a unified and centralized campaign led by the Department of Health and healthcare practitioners to amplify vaccine information. As Dr. Gwen Dy-Agra explained, synchronized messaging across platforms can create stronger public impact and boost vaccine confidence.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation
Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge in the Philippines, fueled in part by past controversies around dengue and COVID-19 vaccines. However, experts believe recovery is underway as more sectors commit to education and awareness efforts.
“All healthcare societies and practitioners must dedicate time to emphasize disease prevention, so we can rebuild public trust in vaccines,” Dy-Agra said.
Dr. Rontgene Solante, an adult infectious disease specialist, stressed the importance of transparent education about vaccine benefits and possible side effects. He noted that fear of adverse reactions is a major reason for hesitancy.
Vaccines as a Cost-Effective Health Strategy
Solante highlighted that pneumonia, a vaccine-preventable disease, continues to rank among the top causes of death in the country. Other common illnesses like influenza and dengue fever can also be prevented through vaccination.
He pointed out that vaccines offer a cost-effective way to reduce serious illness, hospitalizations, and medical expenses. “Influenza vaccination not only prevents death but also lowers morbidity, hospital visits, and infection rates,” he explained.
Encouraging Workplace Vaccination Programs
Experts call on private companies to initiate vaccination programs for their workforce and support medical society recommendations. Continuous public and corporate education remain essential to gaining trust and acknowledging that vaccination saves lives.
“Clinicians will keep educating the public and companies, hoping to strengthen vaccine acceptance,” sources said.
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