LEGAZPI CITY – As the school year 2024-2025 started in various public and private schools in the six provinces of Bicol, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in the region (DOH-CHD-5) announced on Wednesday the resumption of school-based immunization against measles, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria.
In a press conference, Dr. Desiree Bricenio, immunization program coordinator of DOH-5, said they are targeting to give learners in Grades 1, 4, and 7 protection against these vaccine-preventable diseases.
“In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd-Bicol), they will give us the list of students enrolled for this school year for the specific grades. We are estimating at least 150,000 students in the six provinces. It will be rolled-out for two months from the start of classes,” Bricenio said.
She said Grades 1 and 7 learners will be vaccinated against measles-rubella and tetanus-diphtheria, while female Grade 4 students will given the vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV).
“The vaccines for our learners are free, proven effective, and already in our regional office. These vaccines will serve as boosters and protection for the child and to help prevent an outbreak of disease,” she said.
Bricenio said parental or guardian consent should be required for vaccination since the learners are all minors.
“We are really encouraging our parents and guardians to let their children have the booster shots of the said vaccines since it is important to have additional protection in their daily school activities,” she added.
Measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases and may cause complications or death when neglected. There are currently no cures for these diseases, and they may only be preventable through vaccination. (PNA/ Connie Calipay)