Background: A certain percentage of the vaccinated population initially did not want to get vaccinated but changed their minds (from 30% to 70%). By October 2022, World Bank reported that the Philippines had 77.8% COVID-19 vaccination rate. Knowing the factors that changed their decision can help improve the vaccination rate. Objective: This survey aimed to identify the factors that influence positive change in vaccination decisions. Methods: This survey was conducted in the Philippines among Filipinos aged 18-80 years old between March to April 2022. The dependent variable in the study was decision change, a binary variable coded as 1 for a vaccinated person who changed their decision from no to yes and 0 for an unvaccinated person who did not change their decision from yes to no. Results: Age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.89-0.96) and having a college degree (aOR=11.707, 95% CI=3.23-42.41) are related to changing decisions. Young and college degree holders are likely to change their decisions positively about getting vaccinated. Employer requirement also influences decision change because it affects a person's livelihood. High scores on vaccine confidence (aOR = 1.181, 95% CI = 1.12-1.25) and awareness (aOR = 1.318, 95% CI = 1.08-1.61) are associated with decision change. Conclusion Being young, educated, employed with a requirement to vaccinate, and having high vaccine awareness and confidence are strongly associated with a positive change in the decision to get vaccinated.
Vaccines ; Vaccination ; Philippines ; Awareness ; Covid-19

Introduction: Effective vaccination campaigns have been instrumental in reducing COVID-19 transmission and severe disease outcomes. Despite efforts to improve vaccine accessibility, vaccine literacy and confidence remain important determinants of vaccine uptake. Rural and geographically isolated communities often experience barriers to healthcare access that may affect vaccination coverage. This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccination coverage, vaccine literacy, and vaccine confidence among residents of selected Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Floridablanca, Pampanga. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 residents of Barangays San Ramon and Nabuclod. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a translated and pretested questionnaire on vaccine literacy and vaccine confidence. Vaccination records obtained from the Rural Health Unit were reviewed to determine COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the data. Results: The majority of respondents demonstrated an average level of vaccine literacy (75.8%), while 17.5% exhibited high vaccine literacy. Most respondents also demonstrated positive to very positive vaccine confidence (71.6%). Among the eligible population, 80.5% had completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series, whereas 19.5% remained unvaccinated. Among those who completed the primary series, only 24.2% had received at least one booster dose. Conclusion Residents of the selected GIDAs generally demonstrated average vaccine literacy, positive vaccine confidence, and relatively high primary COVID-19 vaccination coverage. However, low booster uptake and the persistence of unvaccinated individuals highlight the need for sustained health education, improved healthcare accessibility, and targeted community-based interventions. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening vaccine literacy and confidence to support future immunization programs in geographically isolated communities.
COVID-19 ; Rural Health ; Vaccination coverage

INTRODUCTION

With the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, schools around the world have slowly started to reimplement on-site classes with guidelines to prevent outbreaks. The University of Santo Tomas has devised their own set of guidelines, including safety protocols, vaccinations and daily health declarations. These were monitored using the
Thomasian Online Medical Services and Support (ThOMedSS).

METHODOLOGY

Through a case-control study design, the study aims to determine an association between the vaccination status of UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS) students and breakthrough COVID-19 infections in the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023, with population data acquired via records of students participating in face-to-face classes from the UST Health Service Office, and categorized based on breakthrough infections and vaccination status.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Results were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test (pCONCLUSION

The study suggests that vaccination status did not have a statistically significant association (p = 0.3451) with breakthrough infections. The majority (99.94%) of students have received the complete primary COVID-19 vaccination series and only 6.61% of this population developed breakthrough COVID-19 infections, all occurring in those completely vaccinated. Breakthrough infections were 1.76 times more likely for those with booster shots than those without. The possible reason for this is the emergence of the Omicron variant. To improve the study, external exposures and individual behaviors must be considered as potential factors influencing infection rates.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Association ; Case-control Studies ; Covid-19 ; General Surgery ; Faculty ; Incidence ; Infections ; Medicine ; Universities ; Vaccination

OBJECTIVES

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection linked to cervical and anal cancers. Although there are many studies worldwide on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HPV, research in the Philippines is still limited. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of senior high school students in Manila regarding HPV infection and vaccination.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 345 senior high school students from a private tertiary school in Manila using a self-administered questionnaire. Frequencies and percentages summarized demographic characteristics and KAP responses

RESULTS

Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of HPV, with 86.4% recognizing its link to cervical and anal cancer and 86% identifying it as a common sexually transmitted infection. Attitudes toward vaccination were largely positive: 73% expressed willingness to be vaccinated, and 87.8% considered the vaccine safe. However, only 2.6% had been vaccinated. Limited discussions about HPV, misconceptions about gender susceptibility, and low awareness of local vaccine availability contributed to poor uptake. The internet was the primary information source (84.9%).

CONCLUSION

Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of HPV, with 86.4% recognizing its link to cervical and anal cancer and 86% identifying it as a common sexually transmitted infection. Attitudes toward vaccination were largely positive: 73% expressed willingness to be vaccinated, and 87.8% considered the vaccine safe. However, only 2.6% had been vaccinated. Limited discussions about HPV, misconceptions about gender susceptibility, and low awareness of local vaccine availability contributed to poor uptake. The internet was the primary information source (84.9%).

Vaccination

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), is the second most common cancer among Filipino women. Despite vaccine availability, the Philippines has a low 60% immunization rate, driven by hesitancy and poor public awareness.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study assessed how 100 women (ages 18–45) in Quezon City understood HPV and their willingness to vaccinate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Researchers used a pre–post interventional study and purposive sampling and Cochran’s formula for size calculation. Participants completed a pretest, a Department of Health/World Health Organization/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-based digital educational intervention, a posttest, and a satisfaction survey. Data were gathered confidentially under informed consent.

RESULTS

Results showed significant improvement in knowledge and willingness to vaccinate (P < 0.001), with almost all respondents expressing willingness. The intervention received high satisfaction ratings, proving the digital tool was effective and well-received.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a structured digital educational tool effectively bridges knowledge gaps and addresses vaccine hesitancy in a community setting. Findings emphasize the importance of targeted, community-level initiatives to reduce cervical cancer risk. Future research should include teens and males and use a larger randomized sample for definitive evidence.

Human ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Human Papillomavirus Viruses ; Vaccination ; Women

OBJECTIVE

Given that rabies remains endemic in the Philippines despite government interventions and the pandemicrelated restrictions have hampered its surveillance, this study aimed to estimate the effect of human population, anti-rabies vaccination efforts, and COVID-19 situation on the spread of rabies cases in the districts of Davao City, Philippines.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the canine records at Davao City Veterinarians’ Office was done from January 2018 to June 2021. Monthly rabies cases were ascertained, and the effect of the human population, COVID-19 season, and vaccination ratio on rabies cases was estimated using panel regression models adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

The reporting of rabies cases was lower during COVID-19 than during the non-COVID-19 season, with an IRR of 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33–0.82]. Furthermore, rabies cases increased by 2.23% (95% CI: 0.60–3.89) per 1% increase in vaccination ratio. Additionally, high-population districts recorded more rabies cases than low-population districts.

CONCLUSION

Consistency in monitoring rabies cases during the pandemic is suggested as a roadmap for future program initiatives. Vaccination efforts should be reinforced to increase rabies awareness and ensure early response to emerging diseases. Moreover, highpopulated districts should be prioritized in implementing rabies control interventions to gain optimal development.

Human ; Animals ; Rabies ; Covid-19 ; Vaccination

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer remains to be the second leading cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths among Filipino women despite the use of the Papanicolaou screening. Latest research has shown that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer. With major morbidity and high mortality rates associated with HPV infection and cervical cancer, several modes of primary and secondary forms of prevention have to be implemented. Among the primary modes of prevention is the administration of the preventive vaccine, which has consistently shown to decrease substantially HPV disease and cervical cancer rates in developed countries. In our country, before a successful vaccination, program is implemented, several sociocultural issues have to be addressed. Knowledge, attitude, and motivational factors are vital in determining acceptance of the vaccine. One relevant setting is exploring the willingness of mothers to get their female children vaccinated even before they become sexually active.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine the association of the knowledge, attitude, and motivational factors of mothers on their willingness for their female children aged 9–13 years to undergo HPV vaccination at a tertiary government hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out at a government institution.

POPULATION

The population consisted of 352 mothers with female children aged 9–13 years consulting the outpatient clinics at the department of obstetrics and gynecology at a tertiary government hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pretested and validated survey was given to 352 respondents. They were asked to answer a self-administered questionnaire that included sociodemographic, reproductive, sexual history variables, knowledge, and attitude, and motivational factors toward the disease and the associated vaccine.

RESULTS

Using the survey proportion estimation methods, the prevalence of women who were willing to enroll their daughters for HPV vaccination was 97.18% (n = 42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 94.91 to 98.46%). It can be noted that only a third of the sample had high knowledge on the vaccine and its use 34.93% (n = 124, 95% CI: 30.25 to 39.92%). More women who reached college level (χ2: 5.67) and also those whose youngest child was between 11 and 13 years old (χ2: 8.82)-had higher knowledge scores than otherwise. Those who have an annual income of greater than or equal to P 60,000 (χ2: 16.55) and are non-Catholic (χ2: 18.77) – also appeared to have higher knowledge ratings on the questionnaire. Women who never to a few times a year attend church-related activities had higher knowledge scores compared to women who were more frequent goers (χ2: 16.33). For the attitude toward the vaccine, more mothers believed that getting the vaccine would not have an effect on a girl’s sexual activity and most agreed that they would not be viewed as bad parents. Most women also did not believe that religion would affect their willingness to vaccinate their children. There was an association in the degree of agreement between negative and positive attitudes from the Chi-square test performed (χ2: 7.44, P: 0.01). There were more agreeing responses from factors determining positive attitude and more disagreeing responses in the factors determining negative attitude. With regard to motivational factors, more women agreed that the cost was prohibitive and that they were more willing if only two doses would be required for their daughters. They were also not concerned about what other parents may think about getting the vaccine. Most answered that they were willing to follow their doctors’ recommendations and they have trust in vaccine manufacturers. Most women were also concerned that their daughters may get cervical cancer in the future. There was no difference in the proportion of agreeing responses between positive and negative motivating factors among the study participants (Z: 0.30, P: 0.79). This suggested that these factors could be important predictors of willingness to use vaccination on their children. Based on the crude odds ratios from the logistic regression, the likelihood of being willing to administer HPV vaccine to their children was almost twice as the knowledge score and scores on the positive attitude items increased, and was found to be statistically significant. At the same time, the odds of willingness increased by more than twice as the score on the negative attitude items decreased, and was also significant. There was no noted association for the other predictors of the association.

CONCLUSION

The role of knowledge and attitudes on the negative perceptions on the vaccine were important predictors of the willingness of mothers to have their female children vaccinated against HPV infection.

Human ; Cervical Cancer ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Human Papillomavirus ; Human Papillomavirus Viruses ; Vaccination

BACKGROUND

Vaccine hesitancy among senior citizens remains common in many countries. This was significantly observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dauis, Bohol, Philippines. However, there is limited research on the factors influencing this hesitancy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among senior citizens in the municipality of Dauis, Bohol.

METHODS

This case-control study employed a modified survey questionnaire adapted from relevant literatures. A total of 497 registered senior citizens participated, of whom 331 were vaccinated against COVID-19 and 166 were unvaccinated. The study determined the socio-demographic factors, health status, and perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine safety. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with vaccine hesitancy.

RESULTS

The study found that respondents aged 84 and older were significantly more likely to exhibit vaccine hesitancy (p = 0.018, OR = 7.817). In contrast, factors associated with a reduced likelihood of hesitancy included having tertiary education (p = 0.012, OR = 0.239), a low income (p = 0.042, OR = 0.138), receiving an annual flu vaccine (p = 0.020, OR = 0.328), and perceiving the COVID-19 vaccine as safe (p = 0.000, OR = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Age is a significant determinant of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Educational attainment, monthly income, receipt of annual influenza vaccine and perception on vaccine safety were found to be influential determinants. These findings offer valuable insights for evidence-based interventions to enhance vaccine acceptance to this vulnerable population.

Human ; Vaccination Hesitancy ; Covid-19 ; Pandemics ; Vaccination

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global health, especially among older adults at higher risk for severe illness. Despite the benefits of vaccination, booster vaccine hesitancy posed a barrier to optimal protection in the elderly population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy among geriatric patients at the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Region 1 Medical Center.

METHODS

An analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted with 183 geriatric patients aged 60 and above who had received the primary COVID-19 vaccine series. Data were collected using a 25-item questionnaire addressing sociodemographic information, medical history, COVID-19 knowledge, and vaccine attitudes. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, identified factors influencing booster vaccine hesitancy.

RESULTS

The majority of participants were between the ages of 60-69 (66.7%, n=122) and predominantly female (69.4%, n=127). High hesitancy rates were notably observed among elderly females (75.6%), individuals with lower educational attainment (79.7%), and single individuals (93.3%). Other significant factors included hypertension (76.5%) and the absence of prior influenza (81.5%) or pneumococcal (75.9%) vaccinations.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the critical need for targeted educational efforts to mitigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy within specific subgroups, particularly elderly females, those with lower education levels, and individuals with certain health conditions. By implementing personalized outreach and emphasizing the advantages of vaccination, stakeholders can enhance vaccine uptake and improve health outcomes for this vulnerable segment of the population.

Human ; Vaccination Hesitancy ; Public Health ; Covid-19 ; Vaccines

Rabies remains a persistent public health issue in the Philippines, despite the existence of national and local policies and programs aimed at addressing its eradication. The viral disease, which elicits fatality yet is preventable, disproportionately affects rural areas, especially geographically isolated and disadvantaged area due to the junction of socio-cultural and technical challenges. This commentary article explores the myriad of barriers to rabies prevention and control, including poverty, cultural beliefs, limited health literacy, health delivery, and access inequity. However, the implementation of Rabies Act of 2007, which mandates mass vaccination, education, and the establishment of Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs), has gaps in the implementation that compromises the program’s sustainability and effectiveness. Deep-rooted cultural practices and beliefs delay or, more so replace evidence-informed medical practices, while geographic isolation and underfunded healthcare facilities hinder optimal provision of care. Moreover, interagency coordination and fragmented reporting surveillance systems further complicate effective rabies control. To address the gaps, this paper advocates for a culturally tailored and community-centered One Health approach that addresses both social and technical aspects of rabies prevention. Important recommendations include decentralizing ABTCs, sustaining vaccination programs with local government support and funding, integrating rabies education into schools and community outreach, and intensifying through multisectoral collaboration both government and nongovernment institutions. Achieving a rabies-free country requires not only biomedical interventions but also a holistic approach – equitable access to healthcare, trust building in communities, and long-term political commitment. In this manner, regardless of location and socioeconomic status, it ensures that this viral disease will be controlled and prevented.

Human ; Philippines ; Social Class ; Rabies ; Virus Diseases ; Mass Vaccination