A qualitative study sought to investigate the factors influencing equitable COVID-19 vaccine delivery in the Philippines and to provide recommendations to enhance equitable vaccine delivery in low- and middle-income countries to prepare for future health emergencies. The study included 38 participants including seven high-level stakeholders from the public and private sectors, 14 health workers, and 17 community members in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines.
The findings recognized political commitment and support as crucial drivers for successful vaccine delivery, with a strong emphasis on health information framing and communication and adherence to human rights principles. The vulnerability of the health system significantly impacted the timely and effective distribution of vaccines. At the recipient domain, individual perceptions of vaccines, shaped by their socioeconomic status, exposure to (mis)information, social influence, and entrenched religious beliefs, played a major role in their vaccine decisions and thus vaccine coverage regionally. Additionally, vaccine characteristics and operational challenges related to its distribution also impacted fair allocation.
Thumbnail image credit: WHO / Blink Media – Hannah Reyes Morales
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