The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has joined the observance of World Immunization Week this April 24 to 30 by promoting the use of vaccines to protect Filipinos against various diseases.

The theme ths year is "Long Life for All," and the CHR is using this opportunity to stress the importance of immunization in order to address vaccine hesitancy.

"Magtulungan tayo para makamit ang mataas na vaccination rate, tulad ng laban sa Covid-19. Sa ganitong paraan, magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na maprotektahan at humaba ang buhay ng lahat sa tulong ng depensa mula sa bakuna, (Let us work together to achieve high vaccination rates, especially in the fight against Covid-19. In this way, there will be an opportunity to protect and prolong the lives of all with the help of defense from the vaccine)," the CHR said.

The CHR has long advocated for mass vaccination. However, the Commission acknowledged that there are still several Filipinos who refuse to get vaccinated mainly because of their concerns about vaccine risks or harm.

In its "Human Rights Advisory on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination" dated Dec. 3, 2021, the CHR stressed that the decision whether to get vaccinated or not is largely left to every individual.

However, the CHR believes that the government should help address the concerns of those who refuse to get vaccinated by implementing information and education campaigns, as well as giving incentives to vaccinators.