At the Putik Health Center, conversations about vaccines often begin not in the clinic, but online.
Health workers at the facility say misinformation circulating on social media continues to shape how some parents view routine immunization.
For Nurse Marielle Paclibar, who has served the community for five years, vaccine concerns frequently stem from viral posts.
“May nabasa silang hindi maganda ‘yung vaccine sa baby nila, may mga side effects daw,” she said.
Instead of dismissing parents’ fears, Paclibar and her colleagues respond with detailed explanations on how vaccines work and why immunization remains among the most effective ways to prevent disease.
“‘Yung mga vaccines na binibigay natin sa Putik Health Center ay proven safe dahil ito ay aprobado ng mga experto ng siyensya at dumadaan ito sa masusing pag-aaral at sinusuri ito ng Food and Drug Administration bago gamitin,” she added.
The health center supports the Department of Health’s immunization initiatives, including the Measles-Rubella campaign and the Expanded Program on Immunization. The EPI covers essential vaccines such as BCG, Hepatitis B at birth, Oral Polio Vaccine, Pentavalent Vaccine, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
According to Dr. Rosanna Arquiza, the facility’s medical officer, prevention remains the priority.
“Kapag nabakunahan, less ang nagkakasakit. At kung magkasakit man, mas mild at hindi komplikado,” she explained.
Arquiza noted that most families are not refusing care outright, but often need clarification. The health center conducts information drives and house-to-house visits to address concerns using evidence-based information.
Paclibar also urged fellow netizens to think twice before believing or sharing health-related claims online.
“Hindi dapat mag-rely lang sa overhyped posts,” she said.
The Putik Health Center primarily serves Barangay Putik and functions as a catchment facility for the Guiwan district. Located along MCLL Highway, it is accessible to residents from nearby barangays such as Divisoria, Lunzuran and Tumaga. On average, the facility caters to 20 to 50 patients daily.
Previously, the center faced challenges including poor ventilation and limited waiting space. Through a collaboration between SM Foundation and the local government of Zamboanga City, the facility was rehabilitated to provide improved work areas and more comfortable spaces for patients.
The renovation aims to make services such as immunization, maternal and child health, and family planning more accessible.
For Paclibar, visible improvements in infrastructure also help build trust.
“nagma-matter talaga kasi kung nakikita nila na bago, malinis, and well-equipped. So, sa isip nila maganda ‘yung health services,” she said.
Still, Dr. Arquiza emphasized that the fight against misinformation goes beyond upgraded facilities.
“Misinformation in the community was and will always be addressed through proper investigation and by responding based on science and factual information,” she said.
Amid fast-moving feeds and viral claims, the Putik Health Center continues to rely on science, education and community engagement to ensure families receive safe, quality healthcare.