The roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines continues, but recent evidence shows that only 11% of senior citizens choose to get vaccinated, despite the availability of vaccines. Why is the turnout so low? Is it fear of the side-effects? Is it the prospect of waiting in line for hours in the heat? How do we make it easy and convenient for Filipino senior citizens to get protection against COVID-19?
The 55th episode of University of the Philippines’ “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series, “HELP! Ayaw magpabakuna ni Lolo at Lola”, will dig deeper into vaccine hesitancy among senior citizens. The webinar will be held on Friday, 4 June 2021, at 12:00 noon. Those interested to watch may register at bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar55
In this webinar, Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Special Adviser to the National Task Force on COVID-19, will share the latest data on the low engagement of seniors in vaccination programs. Dr. Shelley Ann F. De la Vega, gerontologist and head of the UP Manila-National Institutes of Health’s (UPM-NIH) Institute on Aging, will talk about the inconveniences and struggles that seniors endure to get vaccinated. Dr. Enrique T. Ona, Jr., former Department of Health secretary, will provide some reflections on how the system can be improved, while Dr. Lilian De Las Llagas, Commissioner on Higher Education, will provide the public health perspective on how coverage of senior citizens can be improved.
In order to provide more insights on why most Filipino senior citizens refuse to be vaccinated, the audience is encouraged to share their experiences on vaccination of seniors in their households.
The UP “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series is organized by the University of the Philippines in partnership with the UPM-NIH National Telehealth Center, and in cooperation with the UP Philippine General Hospital.