The Department of Health (DOH-6) is rolling out its 2025 School-Based Immunization (SBI) Program, aiming to safeguard the health of 185,657 public school learners across the region this August to September.
The program covers Grades 1, 4, and 7 learners: measles-rubella (MR) and tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccines for 62,843 Grade 1 pupils and 84,142 Grade 7 students, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for 38,612 Grade 4 female learners.
Dr. Jose Martin Atienza, Regional Immunization Program Coordinator, assured parents that the region has sufficient vaccine supplies for every eligible child. He highlighted that immunization does more than protect children from life-threatening diseases.
“Vaccination prevents illnesses, reduces school absenteeism, and spares families from the heavy financial burden of hospitalization. These vaccines are safe, effective, and approved by both the World Health Organization and our Food and Drug Administration,” Atienza said during a press conference.
The DOH urged parents and caregivers to support the campaign by coordinating with teachers and principals on the schedule of school-based vaccination.
Private schools interested in joining the program may coordinate with their local health offices.
Last year’s campaign achieved a 90.54% coverage for Grade 1 learners, while Grade 7 and Grade 4 female learners posted 70.06% and 65.19% coverage, respectively. This year, health officials are determined to surpass those numbers.
The Regional Bakuna Eskwela Program was officially launched Aug. 27 at Hibao-an Integrated School in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, in partnership with the local government.
“We want every child in Western Visayas to be safe, healthy, and able to pursue their education without the setbacks of preventable diseases. With the support of parents, teachers, and health workers, we can give our children the protection and quality of life they deserve,” Atienza said.IMT
