DOH launches ‘Bakuna Eskuwela’ in Ilocos Norte

By Glen Ramos

THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region together with the Department of Education – Region 1 launched the first “Bakuna Eskwela”, a school-based immunization program that will protect school-aged Filipino children against vaccine-preventable diseases including measles, rubella, diphtheria, and human papilloma virus (HPV) at the Shamrock Elementary School, Laoag City in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on September 27, 2024. 

Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated that the free vaccines will be given to Grade 1 and Grade 7 learners. 

“Sila ay bibigyan ng measles at Rubella vaccine, tetanus at diphtheria upang mabigyan sila ng protection laban sa mg sakit na maaaring makaapekto sa kanilang kalusugan. Ang mga grade 4 na babae naman ay bibigyan ng HPV vaccine for protection against cervical cancer.”

Sydiongco emphasized that the immunization for students will not be mandatory and still requires parent’s consent but she strongly encouraged parents to have their children vaccinated against these deadly diseases to increase their immune systems. 

“Ang mga bakuna po na binibigay ng DOH ay ligtas at mabisang panlaban sa mga sakit. Kaya pabakunahan po natin ang ating mga anak upang sila ay lumaking malusog at ligtas sa kapahamakan,” emphasized. 

For the “Bakuna Eskwela”, Ilocos Region will be targeting an estimated total of 150,000 Grade 1 and Grade 7, and at least 15,000 Grade 4 female learners. 

The School-based Immunization will be implemented for the whole month of October to provide booster and protect students from vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Rural Health Units and barangay health stations will also continue their intensified routine immunization schedules to capture children 0-23 months old. 

Meanwhile, the regional office has recognized the Municipality of Banna in Ilocos Norte as the first municipality in the Philippines to achieve 90% HPV vaccination coverage aligned with the Cervical Cancer Elimination.