DOH-7: Low vaccination turnout among elderlies

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas noted a sluggish COVID-19 vaccination rate among senior citizens or the A2 priority group amid the spread of more transmissible Delta variant.

Dr. Van Phillip Baton, DOH-7 medical coordinator for infectious diseases, said the A2 vaccination turnout remains low since it started the rollout four months ago.

“Yes, we acknowledge nga slow ang atong A2 and we encourage everyone to convince our senior citizens to have them vaccinated,” he said in yesterday’s virtual press conference.

Despite improving vaccination rates in other priority groups, vaccination of the elderly – the A2 population – lags, with only about 36.1 percent fully vaccinated.

Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, spokesperson of the Visayas COVID-19 Vaccination Operation Center, said 36.1 percent or 214,526 individuals out of the 509,058 eligible population for this category were fully vaccinated in Central Visayas as of September 22. Also, 164,247 seniors already received their first dose of vaccine against COVID-19.

In Metro Cebu that includes the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay and Naga and the towns of Consolacion, Minglanilla and Cordova, it has a total of 221,535 senior population but only 188,035 were masterlisted so far.

Of the 188,035, a total of 67,271 doses (30.36 percent) and 89,086 doses (40.21 percent) administered with first dose and second dose, respectively.

Loreche, who is also the DOH-7 chief pathologist, attributed the low turnout to seniors’ fear of vaccine side effects, recalling unvalidated stories about those fully vaccinated who had adverse events.

Also, inaccessibility to the vaccination sites, brand preference, and misinformation, added Loreche.

The elderly are at the highest risk of the most severe outcomes of COVID-19. Seven out of 10 COVID-19 deaths in the Philippines are from this group.

On 22 July 2021, the Department of Health announced the local transmission of the Delta variant, which is about 60 percent more transmissible than previously dominant variants of concern. The expected further spread of the Delta variant significantly amplifies the risk to the unvaccinated vulnerable groups, especially the senior citizens.

Baton said missing out on the vaccines will result in severe illness and death, especially if one has a pre-existing condition and gets infected.

“Studies have shown that if an individual have a pre-existing conditions and gets COVID-19, the chances of progressing to a severe form of COVID and possible dying of the disease or COVID-related complications are higher if one is not vaccinated,” he said.

Also, he said the health department is allowing or giving local government units leeway to have an effective campaign mechanism for the senior citizens.  — KQD (FREEMAN)