Authors: Annie Rose T. Apao, Decleah B. Beniga, Elver Bucol, Elvin T. Sinining, Arjane Rose C. Alferez, and Tashmera D. Laranjo
Nursing Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Mindanao State University – Buug Campus, Buug, Zambonga Sibugay, Philippines
Email: tashmera.laranjo@msubuug.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
The Coronavirus disease 19 also known as COVID-19 pandemic has been a health issue of great concern since 2019 which has resulted in more than 240,940,937 cases and more than 4,903,911 deaths worldwide. Much hope for life after the COVID-19 pandemic lies in the potential success of vaccine. Population aging above 18 years old continue receiving their Covid-19 vaccines and young teenagers are being prepared for the next vaccination. This study used a quantitative-¬descriptive method of research involving 200 senior high school students of the Mindanao State University – Buug Campus as respondents to determine their acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine. Data gathering was done through online survey using an adopted questionnaire authored by Cerda and Garcia (2021). The results demonstrat-ed that the respondents accepted the COVID-19 vaccine with a general weighted mean of 3.09 and interpreted as agree. Even though most of the respondents were female, the data being gathered showed that males were more likely agreed to accept the COVID-19 vac-cine with 95.2% while the female only had 94.2%. Moreover, among the available vaccines in the Philippines, it was revealed in this study that Pfizer was highly preferred vaccine by the respondents with a percentage of 83%. With 200 high school student respondents, this study showed that students are willing to receive vaccination against COVID19 and that the students have good knowledge and awareness about the COVID19 vaccine. Although an effective and safe vaccine against COVID 19 is a key element in controlling and bringing an end to the COVID 19 pandemic, ensuring wide acceptability of the vaccine is essential. Several barriers were identified, and efforts should be intensified to overcome factors that hamper vaccination.
Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine, acceptance, refusal