Highlights
Read more about how distance and cost of travel are among the factors for the inability of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) to achieve 100% of its COVID-19 vaccination target.
Overview
RHUs of local government units in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, continue to exert effort to deliver the COVID-19 booster shots to the people and to the remote areas. Here are some details of their success stories of our community health workers.
1. Breaking the notion that COVID-19 vaccination is a “punishment.”
With community health responders, wrong information on COVID-19 vaccine is communicated among the local residents. Myths like the vaccine causes sterility, will result in illnesses, or will turn the vaccinated person into a zombie are debunked.
2. Knowing the root problem of vaccine hesitancy
Local residents do not have proper information on COVID-19 vaccination. Considering the socioeconomic status of these barangays, people cannot afford medicines to respond to side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. They also think about not being able to work for the family. RHUs then saw the importance of post-vaccine care to the local residents so they can still fulfill their daily routines.
3. Implementing monthly monitoring for post-vaccine care
Teleconsultation is established to provide local residents of far-flung areas immediate access to consultation with health workers.
4. Acknowledging the heroes for community health
Despite the lack of financial provision for the transportation of COVID-19 health care workers assigned in far-flung areas, they are committed to successfully implement the Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment, Recovery, and Vaccination (PDITR+V) strategy amidst the pandemic.
Learn more about how Ipil is bringing COVID-19 vaccination to its distant barangays here
