DOH-6 resumes school jabs, targets 184K students

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Health Western Visayas (DOH-6) is targeting 183,597 students as it resumes its school-based immunization program, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign covers students in Grades 1 and 7, as well as Grade 4 girls, for vaccines against measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria (MR-Td), and human papillomavirus (HPV).

DOH-6 data show that 62,843 Grade 1 students—32,671 males and 30,198 females—are set to receive MR-Td vaccines across 2,877 public and private schools in the region.

Another 84,142 Grade 7 students—42,963 males and 40,786 females—are also included in the MR-Td vaccination rollout.

Meanwhile, 38,612 Grade 4 girls are expected to receive HPV vaccines to protect them from virus strains linked to cervical and other cancers.

In 2024, DOH-6 reported a 90.5% vaccination rate for MR-Td among Grade 1 students, 70.06% for Grade 7, and 65.9% for HPV among Grade 4 girls.

Jose Martin Atienza, DOH-6 regional immunization program medical coordinator, said vaccine hesitancy remains a major challenge in achieving full coverage.

He noted that many students miss their shots because they fail to return signed parental consent forms.

Atienza appealed to parents and guardians to submit consent forms and ensure their children are present during scheduled immunization days.

“Vaccines have demonstrated their safety and effectiveness for years,” he said.

“These vaccines help reduce the risk of getting a disease by working with the body’s natural defenses to build protection against various diseases,” he added.

Atienza said immunization not only safeguards students’ health but also helps prevent school absences and reduces the financial burden of illness-related hospitalizations.

“This initiative goes beyond simply giving vaccines,” he said.

“It’s about cultivating a culture of health within our schools, empowering students, parents, and communities with accurate information about immunization,” he added.

He emphasized that school-based immunization also aims to dispel myths and strengthen partnerships among health workers, teachers, and families.

To raise regional immunization rates, Atienza said DOH-6 is conducting capacity-building initiatives focused on social and behavioral change communication for health workers.

These efforts include training on delivering accurate information, correcting misinformation, risk communication, and community engagement.

Health workers are also encouraged to reach out to local communities to address vaccine hesitancy and promote the benefits of routine immunization.