Because of lack of education and information campaign of people as to where and how to go about getting their COVID-19 vaccines, the vaccination program of the government is still far from succeeding.
People, especially in rural areas, are not aware how, where and when to get their first two basic shots, more so their booster shots. A lot of them think that getting one shot is enough to protect them from coronavirus.
There had been strong clamors to provide vaccinations in pharmacies, especially those located in malls, since people congregate and stay long in malls. Though this was done for a limited period, not many were able to avail of this service.
Many times, people were being asked to pre-register so they can be scheduled for shots. But considering that many provinces are still not connected via internet, or if there is the connection is weak, then such registration requirement pales in comparison to those in the metropolitan area.
Often, people have been requesting that walk- ins be allowed-- no pre-registration required but if this was ever allowed, not too many people were informed of it.
Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of BHW Partylist who is vice chair of the House committee on public accounts and a member of the committee on health, said is now echoing what most people have been asking: Allow walk-ins for those wanting to get the first and second booster shots.
Payagan ang walk-ins para less hassle sa mga magpapabakuna, she said in a statement.
She also wants those availing of booster shots to be given incentives like groceries and hygiene kits at the vax sites.
"Tiyaking kasama ang BHWs (barangay health workers)at BHERTs (barangay health emergency response teams) sa babakunahan ng 2nd booster shot.
She voiced her support for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)decision authorizing a second booster dose for health care frontliners and vulnerable sectors because of age and personal health issues.
"To encourage more people, I ask the Department of Health (DOH) and LGUs to allow walk-ins matching available supply in vax venues. Vax cards are enough identification and proof of prior boosting," she said.
Vax venues should have kits containing medicines needed for any adverse effects or for relatives with COVID-19 symptoms.