FACTORS RELATED TO COVID-19 VACCINE HESITANCY BASED FROM THE PERCEPTIONS OF SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE PROFESSIONS STUDENTS IN ST. DOMINIC COLLEGE OF ASIA

Avila Emjae B.*, Lacorte Joben H., and Pontevedra Rhina Danica G.

ABSTRACT

Vaccines are one of the most reliable and effective public health strategies available today in the fight against viral epidemics. The global response to the COVID- 19 vaccine for coronavirus disease, on the other hand, is overwhelmingly negative. As a result, in order to boost vaccine coverage and lower the slope of the virus curve, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the behavior around immunization. This study examines public perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccination and identifies factors associated with vaccine reluctance. The study primarily focuses on students at St. Dominic College of Asia's School of Health and Science Profession. The respondents selected were either vaccinated or unvaccinated members of the school, aging 18 to 29. The researchers purposely had chosen the School of Health and Science Profession Students in St. Dominic College of Asia as they were most likely to be knowledgeable in terms of the COVID-19 since their programs were related to health and science. In addition, they were asked about their demographic profile and the factors related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The sample population of this study were randomly chosen from 1st to 5th year students in the program of BS Biology, BS Medical Technology, BS Nursing, BS Pharmacy, BS Physical Therapy, and BS Radiologic Technology.

Keywords: COVID-19, Immunization Vaccines, Viral Epidemics, Vaccine Hesitancy.