Vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting vulnerable populations from dangerous and potentially life-threatening diseases. In the Philippines, however, not everyone has equal access to vaccines, leading to lower vaccination rates among adults. To address this pressing issue, a media roundtable discussion was held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on March 19, 2024.

The purpose of the forum was to engage media representatives in a robust discussion on vaccination, with a focus on increasing accurate information dissemination and combatting vaccine hesitancy among adults. The event served as a precursor to the upcoming Vaccination Summit on March 23, 2024, aiming to ignite a collective effort to improve vaccine uptake and instill confidence among Filipinos.

Renowned panelists with expertise in vaccination-related matters, including Dr. Rontgene Solante, Dr. Diana Payawal, Dr. Lulu Bravo, Dr. Arthur Dessi Roman, and Dr. Christy S. Sy, led the discussion. The roundtable focused on enhancing public understanding of adult vaccination complexities in the Philippines by highlighting the risks of vaccine-preventable infections, assessing vaccination coverage, exploring new vaccines, evaluating vaccine effectiveness, identifying barriers to vaccination, and tackling misinformation and anti-vaxxer concerns.

By shedding light on these important issues and fostering open dialogue, the forum aimed to increase awareness and understanding of adult vaccination complexities in the Philippines.

Ultimately, the goal is to work towards a healthier and more protected adult population, ensuring the well-being of our patients, families, and communities. Vaccination truly stands as a powerful weapon in safeguarding public health and improving the resilience of our society.

Photo credits: Philippine College of Physicians FB Page