MANILA, Philippines — Most residents of Quezon City are willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, an official said yesterday.
City administrator Michael Alimurung said 55.6 percent of the more than 44,000 applicants in the QCitizen ID replied in the affirmative when asked if they were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines during online registration.
Only 9.1 percent of the applicants were reluctant to be inoculated with the vaccine while 33.3 percent remain undecided.
“Many of those who refused to be vaccinated were worried about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine while others have health issues such as allergies,” Alimurung said.
Most of those who were undecided were having second thoughts about the side effects of the vaccines or were waiting for the brand the city government would be using.
“Others said they wanted to ensure first the safety and effectivity of the vaccines before they decide,” Alimurung said.
The city government will soon open manual applications for the unified ID system in the barangays.
The applicants will be asked about their views about COVID-19 vaccines.
Quezon City has entered into a tripartite agreement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines and the national government for the initial delivery of 1.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
The local government is also coordinating with different pharmaceutical firms for additional vaccine doses.
“We assure the city residents that we will buy only the safest and most effective vaccines,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Belmonte reminded the residents to register for the QCitizen ID, saying it would also be used for the distribution of the vaccines.
“We would like to remind everyone to sign up for the QCitizen ID through online registration so they can avail themselves of health and social services such as vaccination, free bus rides and educational assistance,” she said.