ITOGON, Benguet- Fear of local Ibaloy parents towards vaccines is a continuous challenge since the onset of the National ResBakuna Kids Vaccination Program.
The number of children from Barangay Tinongdan who joined the ResBakuna Kids Vaccination Program of Itogon on March 10, 2022 saddened the MHSO-Itogon and barangay health workers because of the low turnout of recipients, 15 out of more than a hundred expected participants.
“I, with the barangay health workers, felt a little bit sad with the number of recipients who attended the vaccination program. We are hopeful that in the long run, parents will let their children be vaccinated,” said Alvin Balbines, one of the facilitators of the ResBakuna Vaccination Program.
On the other hand, the parents of the children reasoned that they do not want their children to be vaccinated because of the trauma and fear they acquired from the past experiences, like during the Dengvaxia.
“We don’t want our child to be vaccinated because of the issue of Dengvaxia back then and we’re hearing negative comments about COVID vaccines now, especially its effects to the children,” stated one parent in a vernacular.
This attitude is reflected among most children in the barangay who do not want to be vaccinated because of misinformation that promotes fear.
“As to what the elders say [according to some unverified source], once you’ll get vaccinated, you’ll transform into a zombie in the future,” stated one of the kid in a vernacular Ibaloy.
Considering the situation, Balbines added in his statement that though they felt sad about the number of participants, they understand where the fear of these parents is coming from.
However, despite the fear of both parents and children, a handful of vaccinees received their Covax with positive thoughts in mind.
“I allowed myself to be vaccinated because my mom said that it is needed in order to be protected against the COVID-19,” expressed one of the kid in Ibaloy. On top of that, parents also expressed their gratitude to the vaccination program for kids.
“We are thankful that there is a vaccination program for kids since it is recommended by the teachers before the conduct of the face-to-face classes. Though it is voluntarily and is up to the parents, the information given is enough to trust the Covax,” shared Jocelyn Ebes.
Moreover, they added that even though they are uncertain about their decision for their children to be vaccinated, they still chose to contribute to the effort of the DOH in expanding the vaccination to attain herd immunity.
The Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) stated that vaccination among the younger population can reduce restrictions and parental stress. Further, the Covax for kids can help the mental and psychological development of children. “It allows more mobility, minimizes disruption of education, and improves the psychosocial well-being of the said age group.”
On the other hand, Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan reminded that the vaccination for children serves as protection to the potential severe effects of the COVID-19 and also in preparation and anticipation for the reopening of schools.
He clarified that the vaccination is not mandatory and consent of the parents is a must; however, he stated that all COVID-19 vaccines being given by the DOH are guaranteed safe, effective, and of quality, which is backed up by scientific research and data.
Based on short-term data, the most common adverse effects following vaccination are systemic reactions like pain at the injection site, fever, and body pain among others which is tolerable and can be resolved after days.
Though, long-term safety data is still being studied as the vaccine is still under emergency use utilization, the data according to the US Center for Disease Control stated that among 8 million children with at least one dose, there were only 11 verified adverse effects of myocarditis among children ages 5-11 years, and the cases were mild, therefore, the Health Technology Assessment Council of the Philippines ruled that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
By Guillermo Baus Jr.
