The Department of Health-SOCCSKSARGEN (DOH-12) has started the school-based immunization program in General Santos City.

Students in Grades 1, 4, and 7 got vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, rubella, diphtheria, and human papillomavirus.

The immunization program started at a school in Barangay San Isidro.

“Ang mga target po natin ay ang mga grade 1,4, and 7, nasa more than 32,000 na mga estudyante for the whole Gensan. Grade 1 and 7 bibigyan po sila ng rubella, dipterya, ang grade 4 na babae lamang bibigyan ng HPV Vaccine,” National Immunization Program Coordinator-Gensan, Dr. Roland Jay Basmillo, said.

Parents and guardians lauded the free vaccination.

“Based sa iyang mother okay ra kay mahal man gud sa gawas,” guardian, Kathlyn Calvo, said.

NOTHING TO FEAR

According to the Pediatric Association of General Santos City, parents have nothing to fear about the vaccination for children.

“Hindi dapat matakot  ang ating mga magulang kasi very minimal po ang side effects ng vaccine tulad ng lagnat which is very temporary , sakit na pwede naman nating magawan ng paraan para mawala, pero ang mas nakakatakot kung makuha nila ang sakit na hindi sila nabakunahan,” Pediatric Association of General Santos City President, Dr. Editha Pacis, said.

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) will also get involved by giving proper education relative to the health program.

“The PMA can actively participate by means of education sa ating mga kabataan, sa ating mga parents, sa teachers, and also sa health workers,” PMA President, Dr. Philip Arias, said.

DOH-12 targets to vaccinate students in 125 public schools in the city.

“Nanawagan po kame sa magulang na may anak mula Grade 1, grade 4, at Grade 7  na isubmit po ang anak natin sa  bakuna eskwela itoy para bigyan ng karagdagang proteksyon ang ating mga anak sa mga vaccine-preventable diseases,” Basmillo said.