Only 19% of learners are fully vaccinated vs. COVID-19, says DepEd

Only 19% of learners have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Friday, three days before the start of School Year 2022-2023.

"Sa learners, ang vax rate natin [among learners, our vax rate] nationwide is 19%," said DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa at a press briefing, adding the figure came from the DepEd Learner Information System.

"This is a moving number. Once the information system is updated, figures may increase," he added.

DepEd also disclosed that the percentage of learners who have received their first dose currently stands at 20.55%.

Poa said the low figure is largely due to the government's vaccination program against COVID-19 being non-mandatory.

"Of course we would like to have a 100% vaccination rate, but the truth of the matter is the vaccination program of the government is not mandatory," he said when asked if the low vaccination rate among children is a threat when classes resume on August 22.

On the other hand, the vaccination rate among teaching and non-teaching personnel is at 92%, Poa said.

The DepEd earlier said it would conduct mobile vaccination in schools to increase vaccination rate among children.

Poa, however, said such an effort will still be coupled with counseling to encourage kids to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

"I cannot give you an exact timeline but we are coordinating this effort with the Department of Health," he said.

Poa also said the DepEd will be issuing a department order on COVID-19 infection containment strategy in light of the resumption of face-to-face classes.

"We are issuing a new memorandum focused on safety standards. Hopefully, it will be released today or tomorrow," Poa said.

"This will address isolation, quarantine requirements in the event somebody tests positive for COVID-19 while in the classroom."

At least 27 million learners have enrolled for School Year 2022-2023.

The Philippine government started its COVID-19 vaccination program for children ages 5 to 11 in February. —KBK/VBL, GMA News