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

Background: The presence of COVID-19 has increasingly overwhelmed the Philippine healthcare system, which is affecting the mental and emotional health of healthcare workers in the country. Objective: The study aimed to assess the emotions, stressors, stress-reducing factors, coping mechanisms, and motivational factors of the emergency room (ER) doctors in selected high-risk private hospitals within the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) during the COVID-19 pandemic between March 14, 2020 to November 12, 2020. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using electronic and/or physical surveys, given to 127 ER doctors in Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Makati Medical Center in Makati, and Chinese General Hospital in Manila. Results: Results showed that ER doctors continuously work as it is their professional and ethical duty despite feeling nervous and scared to do so. However, the safety of their colleagues and family increases their stress levels, which were reduced when their family and friends were safe from COVID-19 and when the condition of their colleagues improved. Following strict protocols and chatting with friends and family helped them cope to alleviate stress, and the assurance of adequate personal protective equipment and family support motivated the ER doctors to continue working. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on ER doctors, and all involved parties can improve the experiences of ER doctors during any future outbreaks similar to COVID-19 by providing psychosocial interventions.