FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BAGAC RESIDENTS’

PERCEPTIONS OF COVID-19 VACCINATION

TOWARDS HERD IMMUNITY

Janzent E. Geronimo1, Louis Andrei Nojadera1, Gian Kert B. Loreno1,

Jervin N. Alburo1
John Howell C. Carbonilla1, and John Melver P. Baciles1
1.2.
Senior High School, E.C. Bernabe National High School, Philippines
Email ID: jacintogeronimo4@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Many countries experienced setbacks in terms of education, economy,
and social living and the emergence of the new normal changed the way the
people interact due to COVID-19 pandemic. To mitigate the morbid effects of
the virus, vaccines became the answer to improve the health immunity of the
citizens. The Philippines is one of the countries that pursued COVID-19
vaccination program and the main goal is to achieve herd immunity.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), a locale must have at least
80%-90% fully vaccinated residents to achieve herd immunity. However,
people have opposing views and perceptions regarding the vaccination
program. Some of them are still hesitant to take the vaccines for fear of
experiencing the possible health effects. This study used descriptive-
correlational research to describe the respondents and to investigate if there
is a significant difference between their perceptions on COVID-19
vaccination in terms of importance, vaccine brand, health protocols, IATF
rules, and possible effects in health, and herd immunity when they are
grouped according to their demographic profile. A modified survey-
questionnaire using a 4-point Likert Scale was disseminated to the
respondents via Google Forms. The results show that age, status of
vaccination, occupation, and socio-economic status affect the perceptions of
Bagac residents. It was also evident that the respondents believe that herd
immunity is a key to getting back the normal life, although Bagac has reached
only 68.11% of fully vaccinated residents based on the data from the RHU as
of March 9, 2022.
Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccination, Herd Immunity, New Normal,
Health Protocols, Perceptions

INTRODUCTION communities lacking knowledge on how

The pandemic has changed the lives of
people in many ways. Challenges in terms
of education, labor, health, and economy
emerged and the new normal became an
answer so that the world can live with the
impact of this global crisis. COVID-19
cases are still rising, particularly in
the virus can be mitigated. Residents
belonging to the middle and lower classes
have been affected the most by the
economic downturn. According to World
Health Organization (WHO), the best way
to achieve the highest chance of surviving
this pandemic/ disease is to get vaccinated.
Achieving herd immunity is the greatest
thing that one community can accomplish
to have a safer environment away from the
morbid virus and to go back to the normal
ways of living. As defined in [1] Mayo
Clinic Website (2021), herd immunity is
the term used to say that a large portion of
a community is protected from a disease.
Like measles, to say that a community has
reached herd immunity, the percentage of
people vaccinated is above 94% to break
the chain transmission of the disease. The
WHO stated that with the rise of the
COVID-19 virus, a community must reach
80% to 90% of fully vaccinated
respondents. However, there are people
who have opposing views regarding the
vaccination program and it becomes a
challenge with the health professionals and
the government in general to encourage the
citizens to go to vaccine sites and have their
shots. There are previous studies that stated
that there are factors affecting vaccination
uptake including socio-economic with
example of higher education (educational
attainment) and higher income
(occupational status) cited from [2] Jain et
al. (2018), as well as psychological factors
like perceived risk, susceptibility, and
severity [3] (Brewer et al., 2007). Some are
concerned that COVID-19 vaccines are not
safe or that potential side effects are not
worth the risk; others think the risk of
getting COVID themselves is low.
Nevertheless, different countries are
making effective strategies and giving their
best in convincing their citizens to take the
vaccine. In the USA, they give free
burgers, drinks, vouchers, and many more
things for those who take the vaccine.
Negative perceptions about COVID-19
vaccine are prevalent, such as a lack of
knowledge and false information resulting
in slower progress in adapting to the new
normal.
The Philippines has also encountered
the problem on vaccine hesitancy, but
nowadays, our country is on its way to
2
achieving herd immunity. COVID-19
vaccination is one way to mitigate the
severity of the virus, but implementing it
worldwide was not easy since people are
skeptic or have varied perceptions based on
how they learn about the information on
vaccines and the goal of herd immunity.
Perceptions of individuals play a major role
in the decision to vaccinate [4] (Amit, et
al., 2021). Exposure to misinformation
through media, social media, and the
community affects the number of people
getting vaccinated, making the rapid cases
of COVID-19 inflated. The political issue
brings a great impact to vaccine hesitancy
of the people when it comes to choosing
vaccine brands.
In Bagac, Bataan, the local
government officials and the church use
different strategies to make the residents
convinced to take the vaccine. Some of
those strategies are giving food,
specifically five kilos of rice grains and
winning raffle prizes like cash and
motorcycle as if hitting two birds with one
stone. Financial problem also constitutes to
the negative outcomes of the pandemic
crisis in Bagac. With this, laborers are
encouraged to take vaccines, as a rule,
employees refusing to take the vaccine
shall be respected with no discrimination.
No vaccine, no-work policy is against the
law (Department of Labor and
Employment, 2021). The main purpose of
this study was to investigate and identify
the factors associated with Bagac
residents’ perceptions of COVID-19
vaccination towards herd immunity.
The researchers diligently aligned the
study with the great advocacy of the 17
Sustainable Development Goals of the
United Nations Development Program
(UNDP) focusing on number 3 (Good
health and well-being) which aims to
provide knowledge about COVID-19
vaccination and herd immunity. This gives
a successful stage to convey other essential
medical care administrations; number 8
(Decent work and economic growth) which
gives a safe workplace to the employees
and a safe place for people to make a living;
and 11 (Sustainable cities and
communities) that aims to protect them
against the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic
while performing the roles of sustaining the
communities through jobs, education, and
economy.
The general problem of this study is:
What are the factors associated with Bagac
residents’ perceptions of COVID-19
vaccination towards herd immunity?
The researchers aimed to describe the
respondents based on their demographic
profile such as age, sex, status of
vaccination, occupation, socio-economic
status, religion, and comorbidity.
Furthermore, the study sought to identify if
there is no significant difference between
Bagac residents’ perceptions of COVID-19
vaccination in terms of importance,
vaccine brand, health protocols, IATF rules
in the community, and possible effects on
health, as well as their perceptions towards
herd immunity when they are grouped
according to profile.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The researchers used Quantitative
study because it deals with mathematical
data. According to [5] Bhasin (2020), its
goal is to apply mathematical theories in
reality, an important part of the process is
that it connects math with real-world
observations. The researchers considered
the Independent Variable to Dependent
Variable conceptual framework which
focuses on the study’s descriptive-
correlational design. Its purpose is to find
out if there is no significant difference (null
hypothesis) between the respondents’
perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination and
herd immunity when they are grouped
according to profile. This framework
assisted the proponents in producing better
study findings that would benefit the
school and the community. The research
3
was conducted in Bagac, Bataan. Thirty
(30) individuals who are unvaccinated and
forty (40) individuals who are vaccinated
against COVID-19 virus were selected as
the respondents; however, minors were not
included. Altogether, this gave the
proponents a total of 70 respondents. An
informed consent was given to them to
fully explain the nature of the conduct of
the study. No names appeared on the data
gathering tool nor in the analysis of data.
A 3-part questionnaire was used to
gather the data. The first part asked about
the age, sex, status of vaccination,
occupation, socio-economic status,
religion, and comorbidity (if present) of the
respondents. The second part measured the
respondents’ perceptions of COVID-19
vaccination in terms of importance,
vaccine brand, health protocols, IATF rules
in the community, and possible effects on
health. The last part of the questionnaire
measures the common perceptions of the
respondents about herd immunity. All
items were answerable using a 4-point
Likert scale format ranging from “1”
strongly disagree to “4” strongly agree.
The following scale was used to interpret
the data: 1.00-1.74 = Strongly Disagree
(SD), 1.75-2.49 = Disagree (D), 2.50-3.24
= Agree (A), and 3.25-4.00 = Strongly
Agree (SA).
Most of the statement indicators were
lifted and modified from the study of [6]
Mohamed, Solehan, Rani, Ithnin, &
Isahak (2021) titled, “Knowledge,
Acceptance, and Perception on COVID-
19 Vaccine among Malaysians: A Web-
Based Survey.” Data was collected online
using Google Form in the last week of
March 2022 during the COVID-19
pandemic. This was when Bagac went to
alert level 1. The data gathered were
analyzed using Mean, Frequency,
Percentage, T-test of Assuming Equal
Variances, and ANOVA Single Factor.
The result was significant if the p-value
was less than 0.05.
 The researchers made use of purposive
sampling technique. Purposive sampling is
a non-probability sampling technique
where the researchers will select the
respondents by giving the judgment for
those who may have the capacity to answer
the given questionnaire for a better result.
Utilizing purposive samples can be very
convenient in reaching desired samples
quickly, also proportionality in the sample
is not the main concern. The proponents of
this study selected 30 unvaccinated
respondents and 40 vaccinated
respondents. Unvaccinated refers to
individuals who have not received any dose
and who only have first dose. Vaccinated
refers to those who have second dose and
booster shots. The researchers only
included respondents who are aged 18-60
years old.
For the preliminary step, the
researchers wrote a letter of permission
addressed to the school administrator
informing the purpose of the study and
asking for approval of the conduct of the
study. Therefore, these papers prepared by
the researchers helped them while
conducting their research. Moreover, the
researchers provided a better
understanding about the importance of
getting vaccinated with the support of these
papers.
The researchers’ gathered studies,
literature, and theories that are valid and
can be used as a proof or the aim of the
researchers with the use of the internet. The
author has provided the sources that the
researchers gathered in addition to this
study, which will undoubtedly support the
researchers’ findings. As a result, while the
libraries are closed due to the pandemic,
the researchers will use the internet to find
a reliable source of information.
With the use of this google form
survey questionnaire, the researchers
gathered data and information from 70
respondents. The google form survey
questionnaire contained questions related
4
to the factors associated with Bagac
residents’ perceptions of COVID-19
vaccination towards herd immunity. The
researchers made sure that the survey
questionnaire did not contain offensive
statements.
After gathering all the needed data, the
researchers arranged and totaled the
survey. The results would optimistically
help the students and teachers about the
basis on the findings of this study.
The researchers utilized Google Forms
as a tool for the questionnaire, a survey
administration software by Google. In
search of respondents, the link to the
Google Forms questionnaire was
disseminated through Messenger, the most
convenient online messaging app and via
E-mail. Google Forms was also used to
track the gathered responses.
After conducting the data gathering,
the retrieved data from the questionnaires
were analyzed and interpreted by the
researchers. The gathered quantifiable
results from all the instruments used by the
researcher were analyzed utilizing the
following: Mean, Percentage, Proportion,
T-Test of Assuming equal variances, and
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) single
factor.
The figures are as follow:
Figure 1
The IV-DV Framework of Bagac
Residents’ Perceptions of COVID-19
Vaccination towards Herd Immunity
 RESEARCH FINDINGS unvaccinated residents including children.
In this study, the researchers did not
The tables shown below are the
consider children as part of the inclusion
representations of the processed data that
criteria of selecting the respondents.
were gather and analyzed to come up with
findings responsive to the statement of the
problem. Table 2
Total Number of Respondents Using
Purposive Sampling
Table 1 Respondents Number
Updated Initial Data Count of Vaccinated Unvaccinated Residents 30
and Unvaccinated Residents Including Vaccinated Residents 40
Children by Bagac Rural Health Unit as of
March 9, 2022 TOTAL 70
Fully
Barangay Population Vaccinated Unvaccinated
The discrete numbers shown above
Ibaba 1,723 1,583 140
are the numbers of respondents from
Atilano Ricardo 2,881 2,377 504 Bagac, Bataan, dividing them into two
Tabing Ilog 1,322 1,059 263 category “Unvaccinated Residents” and
Bagumbayan 2,047 1,578 469
“Vaccinated Residents” with a total of 70
respondents.
San Antonio 1,524 1,107 417
Parang 3,424 2,391 1,033
Table 3
Paysawan 802 530 272
Total Number of Respondents Using
Paysawan 802 530 272 Purposive Sampling
Banawang 3,097 2,021 1,076 Groups Frequency Percentage
Binukawan 2,743 1,716 1,018
AGE
Saysain 3,304 2,073 1,231
18-27 years old 31 44.28%
Pag-Asa 4,174 2,573 1,601 28-36 years old 10 14.29%
Ibis 2,104 1,148 956 37-45 years old 13 18.57%
Quinawan 621 334 287 46-54 years old 6 8.57%
Binuangan 776 305 471 55-60 years old 10 14.29%
20,795 9,738
TOTAL 30,533 (68.11% ) (including SEX
children) Male 31 44.29%
Female 39 55.71%
The researchers conducted an initial
STATUS OF VACCINATION
data gathering of the total population who Vaccinated 40 57.14%
are vaccinated and unvaccinated in Bagac, Unvaccinated 30 42.86%
Bataan. Table 1 shows that the total
number of registered residents is 30,533. OCCUPATION
Student 26 37.14%
The number of vaccinated people is 20,795
Employed 15 21.43%
constituting to a 68.11%, thus, not yet Self-Employed 12 17.14%
achieving herd immunity. Based on the Unemployed 17 24.29%
framework of the World Health
Organization, a country or a community SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS
Below 5,000
must reach the minimum of 80% monthly income 23 32.86%
vaccinated residents to achieve herd 5,000-15,000
immunity. On the last column, it is monthly income 28 40%
indicated that there is a total of 9,738

5
 15,001-25,000 In terms of socio-economic status, 23
monthly income 4 5.71%
25,001-35,000
or 32.86% of the respondents belong to
monthly income 7 10% range of below 5,000 monthly income; 28
Above 35,000 or 40% refer to those who have 5,000-
monthly income 8 11.43%
15,000 monthly income; 4 or 5.71% are the
RELIGION respondents who have 15,001-25,000
Roman Catholic 63 90% monthly income; 7 or 10% refer to those
Christian/ Born who have 25,001-35,000 monthly income;
Again 5 7.14%
Iglesia ni Cristo and 8 or 11.43% belong to the range of
2 2.86%
above 35,000 monthly income. It shows
COMORBIDITY that the highest number of respondents
Asthma 3 4.29% belong to socio-economic status with a
Heart Disease 5 7.14% range of 5,000-15,000 monthly income.
Hypertension 3 4.29% In terms of religion, 63 or 90% of the
None 59 84.29% respondents are Roman Catholic; 5 or
7.14% are Christian/ Born Again; and 2 or
The results of the table show that 31 or 2.86% are Iglesia ni Cristo. It shows that
44.28% of the respondents are of age 18-27 Roman Catholic, as a religious affiliation,
years old; 10 or 14.29% are of age 28-36 has the highest number of respondents.
years old; 13 or 18.57% are of age 37-45 Lastly, in terms of comorbidity or
years old; 6 or 8.57% are of age 46-54 present illness, 3 or 4.29% of the
years old; and 10 or 14.29% are of 55-60 respondents have asthma; 5 or 7.14% have
years old. The table shows that 18 to 27 heart disease; 3 or 4.29% have
years old has the highest frequency and hypertension; and 59 or 84.29% have no
percentage. It simply means that most of comorbidity. The table reveals that most of
the respondents belong to the young adult the respondents have no present illness. On
age group. the other hand, there are more respondents
In terms of sex, 31 or 44.29% of the who have heart disease than the other
respondents are of male category and 39 or comorbidities.
55.71% belong to female category. It In the study of [6] Mohamed et.al
shows that the female group has the highest (2021), it is stated that the knowledge and
number of respondents. perceptions of the individuals regarding
In terms of status of vaccination, 40 or COVID-19 vary based on their experiences
57.14% of the respondents are vaccinated and based on how they see information
and 30 or 42.86% of the respondents are from the media. There are people with risks
unvaccinated. The researchers considered on health who do not prefer to getting
getting responses from two sides, but since vaccinated in fear that they experience
the data from the RHU reveals that there long-term negative effects, while others
are more vaccinated residents, the consider their livelihood, jobs, and
proponents also purposively selected a education as important for them, that’s why
higher number of vaccinated respondents. they choose to be vaccinated.
In terms of occupation, 26 or 37.14%
of the respondents are students; 15 or
21.43% are currently employed; 12 or
17.14% are self-employed; and 17 or
24.29% are unemployed. The table reveals
that the highest number of respondents are
students.

6
Table 4 terms of age, sex, status of vaccination
Bagac Respondents’ Perceptions of means if they are vaccinated or
COVID-19 Vaccination unvaccinated, occupation, socio-economic
Groups Mean F/t-val p-val status, religion, and comorbidity or present
On Importance
disease. The respondents’ perceptions of
Age 2.78 9.61 0.005 COVID-19 vaccination are measured
Sex 2.92 -1.29 0.20 through importance, vaccine brand, health
Status of 2.89 -6.43 0.001 protocols, IATF rules in the community,
vaccination
Occupation 2.78 8.65 0.006 and possible effects on health.
Socio-economic 3.07 4.73 0.002 The results show that when the
status respondents are grouped according to age,
Religion 2.91 1.20 0.31
Comorbidity 2.77 1.16 0.33
there is no significant difference between
their perceptions of vaccination in terms of
On Vaccine brand vaccine brand (p=0.09). However, there is
Age 2.57 7.05 0.09 a significant difference in terms of
Sex 2.7 -0.21 0.83
Status of 2.67 -6.11 0.006 importance (p=0.005), health protocols
vaccination (p=0.004), IATF rules (p=0.04), and
Occupation 2.65 8.65 0.006 possible effects on health (p=0.001). When
Socio-economic 2.65 2.45 0.05
status
the respondents are grouped according to
Religion 2.83 0.32 0.73 sex, there is no significant difference
Comorbidity 2.78 0.14 0.43 between their perceptions in terms of
importance (p=0.20), vaccine brand
On Health protocols
Age 3.36 4.28 0.004 (p=0.83), health protocols (p=0.29), IATF
Sex 3.47 -1.07 0.29 rules (p=0.09), and possible effects on
Status of 3.44 -5.25 0.002 health (p=0.75). When they are grouped
vaccination
Occupation 3.43 7.66 0.002
according to status of vaccination, there is
Socio-economic 3.57 2.69 0.03 a significant difference between their
status perceptions in terms of importance
Religion 3.67 0.94 0.40 (p=0.001), vaccine brand (p=0.006), health
Comorbidity 3.36 0.92 0.43
protocols (p=0.002), IATF rules (p=0.004),
On IATF rules in the Community and possible effects on health (p=0.008).
Age 2.73 10.12 0.04 When they are grouped according to
Sex 3.04 -1.71 0.09
Status of 2.98 -10.05 0.004
occupation, there is no significant
Vaccination difference between their perceptions in
Occupation 2.95 15.62 0.009 terms of possible effects in health (p=0.19).
Socio-Economic 3.18 2.18 0.08 However, there is a significant difference
Religion 3.29 1.49 0.23
Comorbidity 2.8 1.46 0.23 in terms of importance (p=0.006), vaccine
brand (p=0.006), health protocols
On Possible effects on Health (p=0.002), and IATF rules (p=0.009).
Age 2.63 5.12 0.001
Sex 2.73 0.32 0.75
When they are grouped according to socio-
Status of 2.7 -3.50 0.008 economic status, there is no significant
vaccination difference between their perceptions in
Occupation 2.7 1.62 0.19 terms of IATF rules (p=0.08) and possible
Socio-Economic 2.82 2.27 0.07
Religion 2.74 0.01 0.99 effects on health (p=0.07). However, there
Comorbidity 2.65 0.77 0.51 is a significant difference in terms of
importance (p=0.002), vaccine brand
Note. The table demonstrates the (p=0.05), and health protocols (p=0.03).
demographic profiles of the respondents in When they are grouped according to

7
religion, there is no significant difference
between their perceptions in terms of
importance (p=0.31), vaccine brand
(p=0.73), health protocols (p=0.40), IATF
rules (p=0.23), and possible effects on
health (p=0.99). Lastly, when they are
grouped according to comorbidity, there is
no significant difference between their
perceptions in terms of importance
(p=0.33), vaccine brand (p=0.43), health
protocols (p=0.43), IATF rules (p=0.23),
and possible effects on health (p=0.51).
As stated in the website of [7]
Healthwise Staff (2020), getting
vaccinated has at least two reasons why it’s
important: giving yourself protection and
to those around you. Vaccines are one of
the best ways to avert the spread of a
contagious/transmittable disease. Every
person’s cooperation is needed for a
successful vaccination program. In
addition, when vaccination becomes the
topic of the citizens, the study of [8]
Mendoza et al. (2021) indicates that the
dengvaxia controversy negatively affects
the perceptions of Filipinos in the latest
COVID-19 vaccine. There is a significance
between the vaccine preferences and
vaccine uptake/vaccine rejection against
COVID-19. In understanding, COVID-19
is significantly directed to perceived
vulnerability and perceived severity but
perceived vulnerability and perceived
severity have an indirect effect on the
intentions of individuals to follow
particular rules or protocols [9] Prasetyo et
al. (2020).
Table 5
Bagac Respondents’ Perceptions about
Herd Immunity
Groups Mean F/t-val p-val
Age 2.73 10.12 0.001
Sex 2.84 0.64 0.53
Status of 2.81 -5.81 0.002
Vaccination
Occupation 2.8 5.05 0.003
8
Socio-Economic 2.94 3.59 0.01
Status
Religion 2.92 0.43 0.66
Comorbidity 2.74 1.14 0.34
Note. The table demonstrates the
demographic profiles of the respondents
and their perceptions about herd immunity.
The results show that there is a
significant difference between the
respondents’ perceptions about herd
immunity when they are grouped
according to age (p=0.001), status of
vaccination (p=0.002), occupation
(p=0.003), and socio-economic status
(p=0.01). On the other hand, there is no
significant difference between the
respondents’ perceptions about herd
immunity when they are grouped
according to sex (p=0.54), religion
(p=0.66), and comorbidity (p=0.34). This
means that the younger age group, the
vaccinated individuals, the students and
unemployed people, and those who have
5,000-15,000 monthly family income
perceive herd immunity more positively
than the other respondents.
In the study of [10] Desai & Majumder
(2020), herd immunity can only occur if the
significant portion of the population is
immune to an infectious disease or virus
that is further spreading.
DISCUSSIONS
The researchers selected a total of 70
respondents in Bagac, Bataan. In terms of
age, there were 31 or 44.28% of
respondents belonging to 18-27 years old;
10 or 14.29% belonging to 28-36 years old;
13 or 18.57% belonging to 37-45 years old;
6 or 8.57% belonging to 46-54 years old;
and 10 or 14.29% belonging to 55-60 years
old. In terms of sex/ gender, 31 or 44.29%
of the respondents are male and 39 or
55.71% of them are female. In terms of the
status of vaccination, 40 or 57.14% are
vaccinated respondents and 30 or 42.86%
are unvaccinated respondents. In terms of
occupation, 26 or 37.14 of the respondents
are students; 15 or 21.43% of them are
employed; 12 or 17.14% are self-
employed; and 17 or 24.29% are
unemployed. In terms of socio-economic
status, 23 or 32.86% of the respondents
earn below 5,000 monthly family income;
28 or 40% of them earn 5,000-15,000
monthly family income; 4 or 5.71% of
them earn 15,001-25,000 monthly family
income; 7 or 10% of them earn 25,001-
35,000 monthly family income, and 8 or
11.43% of the respondents earn more than
35,000 monthly family income. In terms of
religion, 63 or 90% of the respondents are
Roman Catholic; 5 or 7.14% of them are
Christian/ Born Again; and 2 or 2.86% of
them are Iglesia ni Cristo. In terms of
comorbidity or present disease, 3 or 4.29%
of the respondents have asthma; 5 or 7.14%
of them have heart disease; 3 or 4.29% of
them have hypertension; and 59 or 84.29%
of them have no comorbidity or present
disease.
In terms of importance, the overall
mean is 2.93 wherein most of the
respondents agree that getting vaccinated is
important especially for people going
outdoors, for teachers and students, and for
laborers/ workers. The overall mean for
vaccine brands is 2.70, with the majority of
respondents agreeing that they prefer
vaccines with a high efficacy rate and
vaccine brands from trusted companies. In
terms of health protocols, the overall mean
is 3.48 wherein most of the respondents
strongly agree that the health protocols
should be observed, especially the
disinfection of vaccination sites regularly,
and the proper disposal of used masks and
syringes. In IATF Rules, the overall mean
is 3.05, indicating that most respondents
think that vaccines are included in IATF
rules in the community, particularly being
vaccinated before traveling locally and
internationally, and that vaccination
improves health immunity. In possible
9
effects on health, the overall mean is 2.72
wherein most of the respondents agree that
having short-term health effects is normal
for those who are newly vaccinated,
especially that it doesn’t mean the lifespan
of a person will be longer after getting fully
vaccinated.
In Herd Immunity, the overall mean is
2.84 wherein most of the respondents agree
that herd immunity is the key to taking
back normal life. They also agree that
unity, discipline, and trust are what we
need to achieve herd immunity besides
getting vaccinated. The respondents also
believe that hat there is progress in
achieving herd immunity, but even if the
community has reached herd immunity, the
new normal will still be in all of our social
activities.
On Age. There is a significant
difference between the respondents’
perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination in
terms of importance, health protocols,
IATF rules in the community, and possible
effects on health when the respondents are
grouped according to age. There is,
however, no significant difference between
their perceptions on vaccine brands
according to age. On Sex. There is no
statistically significant difference between
their perceptions in all the mentioned
variables in COVID-19 vaccination. On
Status of Vaccination. There is a
significant difference between the
respondents’ perceptions of COVID-19
vaccination in all the mentioned variables
when they are grouped according to status
of vaccination. On Occupation. There is a
significant difference between the
perceptions of the respondents of COVID-
19 vaccination in terms of importance,
vaccine brands, health protocols, and IATF
rules in the community. In contrast, there is
no significant difference as they view the
possible effects on health when they are
grouped by occupation. On Socio-
economic Status. There is a significant
difference between the respondents’
perceptions on importance, vaccine brands,
and health protocols when they are grouped
according to socio-economic status. On the
other hand, there is no significant
difference in the way they perceive the
IATF rules in the community and possible
effects on health. On Religion. The results
show that there is no significant difference
in the respondents’ perceptions of all the
aforementioned variables when they are
grouped according to religion. On
Comorbidity. There is no significant
difference in the respondents’ perceptions
of all the aforementioned variables when
they are grouped according to comorbidity
or present disease.
There is a significant difference
between the perceptions of the respondents
about herd immunity when they are
grouped according to age, status of
vaccination, and occupation. In contrast,
there is no significant difference between
the respondents’ perceptions on herd
immunity when they are grouped
according to sex/ gender, socio-economic
status, religion, and comorbidity or present
disease.
CONCLUSION
In the light of the findings of the study,
the researchers arrived at the following
conclusions:
The researchers gathered an initial data
from the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of
Bagac, Bataan regarding the total number
of vaccinated and unvaccinated
respondents (including children in the total
population). Based on the World Health
Organization, a locale must have at least
80% to 90% vaccinated residents to
achieve herd immunity. As of March 9,
2022, Bagac has reached 68.11% of fully
vaccinated residents. Therefore, Bagac has
not yet achieved herd immunity.
Although most of the residents in
Bagac, Bataan are fully vaccinated, there is
still the presence of vaccine hesitancy
among other residents. This can be due to
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being misinformed about the possible
effects of vaccination on their health. The
researchers conclude that as long as the
respondents are misinformed, herd
immunity will not be achieved in such
time.
Most of the respondents perceive
vaccination more positively in terms of its
importance. Based on the survey
questionnaire that was conducted, the
respondents perceive that in any social
gathering such as leisure, jobs, or studying
in school, being vaccinated is a must.
Therefore, the importance of vaccination
against COVID-19 is evident among the
residents of Bagac, Bataan.
Some of the respondents perceive
vaccination negatively in terms of
importance, health protocols, IATF rules in
the community, and possible effects on
health when the respondents are grouped
according to age. The younger respondents
perceive the indicators more positively
unlike the older respondents. Therefore,
age can be a factor that affects the
perception of a resident.
The status of vaccination, occupation,
and socio-economic status also affect the
perceptions of the respondents to COVID-
19 vaccination. The aforementioned
demographics are pieces of evidence that
the vaccination program has not yet
reached the maximum information
dissemination process.
Bagac citizens prefer a vaccination site
to be disinfected and proper disposal of
face masks and syringes. This concludes
that a safer environment is a factor for
Bagac residents to be vaccinated.
On health protocols, even though
wearing a face shield got the lowest score
among the indicators, the respondents still
agree that wearing a face shield in
vaccination sites must be observed at all
times. Therefore, wearing a face shield is
still necessary as perceived by the
respondents.
 The researchers discovered that one of
the reasons why there are still unvaccinated
residents in Bagac is that they are still
looking for a brand that has high efficacy.
Therefore, the researchers concluded that
the company and brand of COVID-19
vaccine are very essential in choosing
whether they will get the vaccine or not.
In support of number 8, Bagac citizens
prefer a higher vaccine efficacy rate and
vaccines from trusted companies. With
this, the researchers conclude and classify
the potential of this issue as a gap in this
research.
The researchers also discovered that
even though Bagac residents believe that
herd immunity is the key to resuming
regular living, COVID-19’s impact would
continue to affect our daily lives.
Recommendations
On the basis of findings and
conclusions made, the researchers propose
the following recommendations:
The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of
Bagac, along with the Local Government
Unit (LGU), must provide community-
based activities in strengthening the
vaccination program against COVID-19 in
order to encourage other residents to be
vaccinated without any hesitance or with
proper protocols. In this way, herd
immunity can be achieved in such time.
Misinformation about COVID-19
vaccination is rampant especially in social
media and this affects the perceptions of
the upper age group in a way that makes
them distrust vaccines. In this case, health
professionals should organize seminars,
webinars, and social media campaigns that
will mitigate the misinformation of the
COVID-19 vaccination program. This will
be helpful to all of the residents who still
have doubts about the efficacy of the
vaccines.
Since the importance of vaccination is
evident among most of the residents in
Bagac, Bataan, health professionals or
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organizations should tap other individuals/
civilians to be volunteers in strengthening
the COVID-19 vaccination program. This
will encourage other people to participate
with the activities that target their health
statuses and this will also lead to a more
unified community.
The youth must help expand the
understanding of the respondents on why it
is important and necessary to get
vaccinated; what side effects will be
experienced after vaccination; why they
must follow the health protocols; and why
the IATF rules in the community must be
taken into consideration.
The status of vaccination, occupation,
and socio-economic status of the
unvaccinated residents must undergo
assessment mapping that can help in
improving the vaccination program in
Bagac, Bataan and provide more data
needed by the RHU and other authorized
health organizations.
Since social media is very accessible
by most of the individuals these days, the
LGU should post a video of an actual
regular disinfection featuring the sufficient
equipment for the cleanliness of the
vaccination sites and the trash bins used for
proper disposal of wastes. In this way,
Bagac resident viewers will see the onset of
vaccination site protocols that contributes
to their perception to take the vaccine.
The researchers recommend to ease
health protocols regarding usage of face
shields. Instead of using face shields, focus
more on observing social distancing in the
vaccination site.
The RHU of Bagac, as well as the
LGU, should conduct a free lecture about
the information on the different brands of
COVID-19 vaccine available in this locale.
Providing a free discussion on this topic
will help the unvaccinated residents to be
knowledgeable and to have their own
decision in choosing the vaccine brands
they prefer and eventually get their shot in
order to achieve herd immunity in Bagac,
Bataan.
The proponents of this study suggest to
the future researchers to venture the most
preferred vaccine brand and the factors that
they consider regarding their preferences.
In addition, they can explore if the booster
shots really affect the efficacy of the
vaccine.
The RHU (Rural Health Unit) and
LGU (Local Government Unit) should still
implement some of the rules and
regulations against COVID-19 even if herd
immunity is achieved in such time.
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