Bakuna Eskuwela will target students in Grades 1, 4 and 7. Photo by The EdLines.
The Department of Health (DOH) said it will launch its “Bakuna Eskuwela” program in October, a drive to make up for the vaccines millions of children may have missed due to school closures during the pandemic.
The school-based immunization program will start October 7 with joint implementation with the Department of Education.
Bakuna Eskuwela will target students in Grades 1, 4 and 7 and offer free vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.
In a press briefing, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted the need for a “big catch-up plan” to restore the country’s immunization rates among children. Rates have declined due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, only 71% of children nationwide are fully immunized. The DOH aims to reach a 95% vaccination rate each year. It also plans to address challenges such as logistics and supply management.
Herbosa clarified that Bakuna Eskuwela will not mandate vaccination. If parents refuse, health workers will reach out to understand their concerns. They will also provide accurate information to counter misinformation often found on social media.
To fight disinformation on vaccines, Herbosa called for a massive information campaign targeting lower socioeconomic groups who may be more susceptible to fake news.
The DOH secretary also said that private schools can participate in the vaccination drive to ensure an inclusive outcome.
He is also proposing to mandate private pediatricians to report vaccination data to help improve overall statistics and monitoring.
On September 17, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced approving the P7.9 billion budget the DOH requested for its national immunization program. The funds will specifically cover the acquisition of vaccines.
The budget marks an increase from last year’s P6.4 billion funding and the first full budget approved for immunization. Previously, only 60 to 70 percent had been approved, Herbosa said.
