ILOILO – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is set to commence a school-based immunization campaign aimed at safeguarding students against several vaccine-preventable diseases.
The initiative, spanning from October 7 to October 31, targets Grade 1 and Grade 7 learners across all public schools in the province.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, revealed that approximately 28,317 Grade 1 and 37,928 Grade 7 students will receive booster doses for measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.
Additionally, Grade 4 female students, totaling 17,328, will be administered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect against cervical cancer.
Measles and rubella are highly contagious viral diseases, with measles marked by a characteristic red rash and rubella by a rash and swollen glands.
Tetanus, caused by bacterial toxin exposure, leads to painful muscle stiffness and lockjaw.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection affecting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose.
The HPV vaccine targets the viruses responsible for the majority of cervical cancers and other HPV-related diseases.
“The immunization drive in schools forms part of our broader strategy to strengthen immunization efforts across the province. By focusing on these key age groups, we aim to ensure robust protection against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and HPV,” explained Dr. Quiñon.
A recent meeting organized on October 3, in collaboration with Relief International and UNICEF, saw various stakeholders, including the Philippine Pediatric Society, the Department of Health, Department of Education, Hospital Management Office, and Local Health Offices come together.
The meeting aimed to refine strategies and foster intersectoral collaboration for the upcoming immunization period.
Dr. Quiñon also emphasized the critical role of parental support in the success of the campaign.
“I urge all parents in the province to allow and consent to their children’s participation in the vaccination program. Our health workers are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants,” she said.
The school-based immunization program mirrors a similar initiative launched by the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, on September 13, underscoring the regional commitment to combating vaccine-preventable diseases.
The kick-off event was attended by notable figures including DOH-6 Director Adriano P. Suba-an and Cong. Alfredo D. Marañon III, highlighting the widespread community support for these health measures.
“Through strong community support and shared efforts to disseminate health information, we can protect the health and overall well-being of every learner in the region. This event is a powerful reminder that through our collective efforts, health is one step closer to every Juan and Juana in Western Visayas,” concluded a statement from DOH-6./PN
