Journal of public health
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Journal of public health · Jun 2021
Comment LetterRebuilding public trust: a clarified response to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy predicament.
As the world welcomes the availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, coupled with it is the 'hesitant' predicament of some Filipinos to get vaccinated because of the confusing information regarding its efficacy. With this, the government needs to build up public trust to assure a successful vaccination program. A recent study suggested that a more 'localized' public education and role-modeling from public officials and health authorities can help in building public trust. ⋯ This study then proposes that a house-to-house massive information campaign by local health care personnel which is led by a medical doctor to ensure a credible explanation of the entire procedure. In the same way, the idea of public officials as role-models seemed to be ineffective since there were already casualties linked to the vaccine. A consistent transparent approach is suggested in lieu of this which can prepare the country for a more defensive strategy to fight the pandemic.
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Journal of public health · Jun 2021
CommentMindfulness as key in easing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
The public's trust in the COVID-19 vaccination program is still a problem, especially in the Philippines. Many have suggested that the government and even healthcare workers should exhaust all their efforts to educate the public about the nature of the vaccines. However, rebuilding public trust is not only a governmental concern, but should also be taken as a personal responsibility. Thus, this paper argues that mindfulness through critical thinking is a necessary key in boosting the vaccination program.
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Journal of public health · Jun 2021
COVID-19 and the rise of social activism in Southeast Asia: a public health concern.
The current public health crisis has radically altered the social and civic involvement in Southeast Asia. Although the virus has shifted the landscape of engagement, it has not dampened the enthusiasm of the public. In 2020-2021, more people than ever seem to be paying attention and even getting involved in activism. ⋯ The journal has lately published about the 'Relationship of George Floyd protests to increases in COVID-19 cases using event study methodology' and it has rightly expressed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended social distancing guidelines must be followed in a protest situation. In response to the situation of social activism in Southeast Asia, one must follow the CDC-recommended and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in the Region. Although protesting is an individual human right, one must also be cautious and be aware of the deadly virus since we are still in a pandemic and the COVID-19 virus continues to mutate.
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Journal of public health · Jun 2021
Comment LetterMultisectoral Approach on COVID-19 vaccination: a proposed solution on vaccine hesitancy.
As COVID-19 cases rise in one of Southeast Asia's worst-hit nations, low public trust in vaccines will be a huge block in the government's vaccination program. In a recent survey in January 2021 which was conducted by Pulse Asia, nearly half of Filipinos said that they would not get vaccinated against COVID-19 due to safety concerns. ⋯ MSA refers to the deliberate collaboration among various stakeholder groups (e.g. government, civil society and private and religious sectors) and sectors (e.g. health, environment and economy) to achieve a policy outcome. By engaging multiple sectors, such as interfaith collaborations, governments can leverage knowledge, expertise, reach and resources, benefiting from their combined and varied strengths as they work toward the shared goal of building public trust on vaccines.