DOH: All set for school-based nationwide immunization on Oct. 7

The school-based nationwide vaccination program, “Bakuna-Eskwela,” by the Department of Health and Department of Education, is set to kick off on Monday, October 7, at the Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Manila.

To intensify the National Immunization Program (NIP), the government said the youth must be protected against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and cervical cancer in all public schools nationwide.

“Ito ay para sa mga batang nag-aaral sa pampublikong paaralan. For Grades 1 and 7, ang makukuhang bakuna ay measles-diphtheria and tetanus-diphtheria,” said Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) Central Office head, Dr. Dominic Maddumba at the DOH Kapihan with media. 

(This is for children studying in public schools. For Grades 1 and 7, they will have measles-diphtheria and tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.) 

“Sa mga Grade 4 na babae, ang bakuna nila ya laban sa human papillomavirus (HPV) na laban sa human papillomavirus at cervical cancer,” Dr. Maddumba said. 

(Grade 4 girls will get a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.)

Aside from being accessible to public school students, DOH highlighted that the vaccines are safe and effective. 

Meanwhile, Maddumba added that a consent form signed by a parent will be checked before vaccination but clarified that it is not mandatory. 

However, he assured that the adverse effects following immunotherapy (AEFI) are often mild. If there are severe side effects, parents are urged to immediately inform the nearby health center or hospital in their area.

DepEd Medical Officer IV, Dr. Mariblanca Piatos, said that their efforts will continue to reach distant schools with limited exposure to such opportunities.

She noted that it is inevitable that there are parents who are hesitant to let their children get vaccinated. Piatos said that communication and proper education must be practiced in their strategy. 

“Unang-una talaga is really to talk and to make our parents and the guardians understand its importance, kasi hindi maganda na gamitan natin sila ng fear appeal. Dapat paliwanagan sila,” she said. 

(First and foremost, it is really important to talk and make our parents and guardians understand its importance because it is not good to use fear appeal on them. They should be explained.)

In September 2024, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. fully supports the NIP with an increased budget of P2.3 billion to fund the vaccine acquisition and administration nationwide.—LDF, GMA Integrated News