MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)—The municipality of Naawan strengthens its vaccination information dissemination in order to fight the spread of fake news about COVID-19 vaccines among its senior citizens.
“At first, we have a problem with our elderly citizens as a result of fake news. They are afraid to be vaccinated,” says Naawan Mayor Dennis Roa in an interview with Sec. Martin Andanar during the Network Briefing News program.
To address issues of hesitancy, the mayor mobilized the local health authorities to carry out a senior citizens’ assembly per barangay to discuss the government’s vaccination rollout and impart vital points on the beneficial effects of the vaccines.
“When I got my jab and was fully vaccinated, our senior citizens were convinced that their fears were not well grounded. They [elderly] were reassured to get vaccinated since I am also a senior citizen,” Roa said.
He emphasized that his decision to be the first to get the jab encouraged his constituents to participate in the COVID-19 campaign as it strengthened their trust in the vaccines’ safety.
After dealing with jab apprehension issues, the town is now ready to accept additional vaccines for its populace.
Roa said he had directed the barangay captains to arrange a vehicle to transport residents to the designated vaccination sites as scheduled. Aside from free transportation, the LGU also provided free ‘Arroz caldo’ meals to those who are being vaccinated against the coronavirus. (JAKA/PIA-10)
