The Philippine government has launched an ambitious P853-million catch-up vaccination program, targeting millions of public school students across the nation. This initiative aims to address the drop in immunization rates due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Running until November 2024, the program focuses on administering vaccines for measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria (MR, Td), and human papillomavirus (HPV).
The Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (DepEd) are collaborating to provide the vaccines to over 3.8 million students, with a particular emphasis on girls in Grades 4 to 6 for HPV vaccinations. This effort is essential to prevent diseases like cervical cancer and combat the resurgence of illnesses such as measles and tetanus, which have led to increased morbidity and mortality in recent years.
Health officials stressed the urgency of the program, citing that vaccination rates dropped significantly during the pandemic, leading to an increased risk of outbreaks. The catch-up immunization drive is part of the government’s broader health campaign to protect children from preventable diseases, ensuring a healthier future for the nation’s youth.
Additionally, the government is working with local government units (LGUs) and health workers to ensure the program’s success, with efforts to increase awareness and encourage parental support for child vaccinations.
This national vaccination initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its young citizens by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and promoting overall public health.
