Philippine School-Based Immunization Campaign Launched Nationwide

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The Philippine government launched its school-based immunization campaign, “Bakuna Eskuwela,” at Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila, marking the resumption of vital immunization programs halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jointly led by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), the initiative aims to immunize school-age children to protect them against measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Grade 1 students will receive the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, while Grade 7 students will be administered the tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine. Grade 4 girls, aged 9-10, will receive the HPV vaccine to protect them from cervical cancer in adulthood.

“Jhpiego lauds the DOH and DepEd for resuming school-based immunization after years of interruption due to school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines.

“We are grateful that our commitment and support to the government have contributed to this achievement.”

Jhpiego, a global health leader affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, has played a crucial role in supporting the government’s efforts.

Through its HPV Vaccination Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI), the organization provided technical assistance, including prioritization of local government units and schools for HPV vaccination despite limited vaccine supply.

“HPV vaccination is crucial for young girls, both in and out of school,” Dr. Magnata added. “Schools and communities are vital in improving access and ensuring protection from cervical cancer. Jhpiego remains committed to partnering with the government in saving lives, improving health, and transforming futures.”

To prepare for the campaign, Jhpiego supported a two-day “Bakuna Eskuwela Orientation and Planning Workshop” for 16 regional DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao’s Ministry of Health (BARMM-MOH) on September 5-6, 2024. This included communication strategies and the use of a global school readiness assessment tool.

Jhpiego also assisted DepEd in orienting its focal persons on school-based immunization for 17 regional offices and 223 School Division Offices (SDOs) on September 12, 2024, in partnership with the DOH Health Promotion Bureau and the DepEd’s Bureau of Learner Support Services.

The Bakuna Eskuwela campaign underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s health and preventing life-threatening diseases through coordinated efforts with various stakeholders.