SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The school-based immunization program in Antique aims to reach 27,461 children for this year’s vaccination program.
Of the total target, 11,538 students from Grade 7 and 9,966 from Grade 1 are set to receive immunization for Measles-Rubella (MR), Tetanus, and Diphtheria (TD).
In addition, 5,957 girls from Grade 5 will be given a vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
DOH provincial head doctor Rommel Garganera, during the launching program at Malandog Elementary School, Hamtic town, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that children are immunized and protected against Measles-Rubella, Tetanus, and Diphtheria through this program.
He also emphasized the need for everyone to be vaccinated to ensure that no children will be left vulnerable to acquiring the disease.
Rowena Abong, mother of a Grade 1 pupil who received the Measles Rubella and Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccines, expressed gratitude to the vaccination team.
She was convinced of the protection the vaccine could give to her daughter and in addition to her delight since it was given for free.
With this, the Provincial Health Office is optimistic about meeting the target by the end of the month.
However, PHO Program Coordinator Tessie Mae Bañes noted the low coverage of the fully immunized children” (FIC) during the pandemic, as a consequence of limited mobility and access in schools or quarantine restrictions.
Due to the low coverage of FIC in the previous years, cases of Measles-Rubella, Tetanus, and Diphtheria were reported last year.
Thus, Garganera emphasized the need for all kids to be fully immunized to prevent outbreak diseases.
Medical Specialist doctor Cara Uy assured that the vaccination team in each town has designed a strategy for all barangays including those that are geographically challenging and areas under the indigenous communities.
For Hamtic town, Municipal Health Officer Leonie Joy Gumia already designed vaccination teams in partnership with all the local health workers and the Department of Education personnel to undertake the month-long activity.
School principal Alfredo S. Montalban, in his message, affirmed the commitment of the Department of Education to the school-based immunization program.
The launching program was also participated in by parents, teachers, and students of Buhang National High School (AGP/PSM/PIA-Antique)
