Crisis of Confidence: Willingness of the Filipinos within Metro Manila to Undergo COVID-19 Vaccination in 2020-2021

Abstract

In the presence of a pandemic, vaccines are important to help eliminate the virus and immunize the population. Despite its given benefits, there are still those who are reluctant to receive the vaccination. This study explored the effects of the vaccine scare due to the Dengvaxia vaccination and the acknowledgement on the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic to the willingness of the Filipinos, ages 18 to 59, within Metro Manila to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. A descriptive correlational research design was done to determine the relationship between the variables. An online survey was conducted consisting of both close-ended and open-ended questions. A total of 399 respondents were able to give their answers regarding their baseline knowledge on vaccines, their willingness towards vaccine due to the Dengvaxia vaccination, and the acknowledgement of the presence of a pandemic, the acceptability towards the COVID-19 vaccine, and their reasons to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Majority of the respondents were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, and there was a correlation observed between the vaccine scare and the willingness status of the respondents to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Most of the respondents’ reason to receive the vaccine focused more on their protection against the virus. For those who were not willing to receive the vaccine, their reasons include the overall safety of the vaccine itself. Furthermore, the reasons of unsure respondents leaned towards an unwilling status. Even though a greater number of respondents were willing to receive the vaccine, there were still a number of those who were unwilling and unsure which is concerning. With this knowledge, interventions can be done to further encourage the acceptability towards vaccination.