Vaccine czar stresses info campaign for COVID-19 shots

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. emphasized the need for a strong information campaign to boost public awareness and willingness regarding the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination program.

Galvez noted that while a significant majority of Filipinos are willing to be vaccinated, a substantial portion remains hesitant, highlighting the importance of effective communication.

He aims to utilize local government unit mechanisms and private corporate platforms to disseminate crucial information about the vaccines.

Drawing lessons from past vaccination drives like Dengvaxia, Galvez identified a deficiency in information, education, and communication as a key area to improve.

Local government units have expressed eagerness to be among the first to receive the vaccines.

The national government is currently in talks to secure COVID-19 vaccine supply agreements with manufacturers from China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The Philippines intends to procure an initial 50 million doses, sufficient for approximately 25 million Filipinos, with priority given to the poor, vulnerable, security forces, government frontline workers, and healthcare workers.

Galvez stated that securing these deals within the current month is a priority.