SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Center for Health Development remains steadfast in protecting the population against vaccine-preventable diseases and continues to provide accessible and effective vaccines for individuals of all ages.
John Paul Aquino, regional immunization coordinator of DOH Ilocos, noted that acquiring necessary vaccines during pregnancy, childbirth, early childhood, and senior years is essential.
“We want to emphasize that immunization can protect individuals from vaccine-preventable diseases, reducing morbidity and mortality,” Aquino said during an episode of the Philippine Information Agency’s Kapihan sa Ilocos.
Aquino said that the DOH is working closely with local government units, regional line agencies, and the private sector to make vaccines available and more accessible in government hospitals and local health centers.
The health department, along with its partners, is also going the extra mile to bring vaccination activities closer to young learners in schools and residents of remote communities.
“We have our school-based immunization; while through our ‘Reaching Every Purok’ strategy, nurses, midwives, and barangay health workers establish vaccination posts in far-flung villages to ensure that our immunization services will reach even the geographically isolated areas,” Aquino said.
Free vaccines
DOH administers free tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines for pregnant women; birth doses of primary anti-tuberculosis and hepatitis B vaccines; pentavalent vaccines against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus influenzae bacteria, and hepatitis B; and shots against measles and polio during early childhood.
Also, senior citizens may avail of free pneumonia vaccines and annual doses of anti-influenza vaccines, while young girls may receive vaccines against human papillomavirus to reduce the risk of cancer.
Vaccine safety
Amid vaccine hesitancy issues, Aquino assured the public that vaccines are safe and effective, noting that vaccination has helped prevent various diseases globally in the last 50 years.
He stated that the DOH is well-equipped and trained in cold chain management—the temperature-controlled storage and transport of sensitive products—ensuring vaccine potency.
“Regulatory processes are strictly observed to ensure the potency and safety of the vaccines from storage and during transport until doses are administered to target recipients,” he stated.
DOH urges the public to check their vaccination status, especially for children, and take advantage of the free immunization services of the government.
Vaccines are proven to be effective layers of protection against viral and bacterial infections and prevent further transmission of diseases, contributing to a healthy “Bagong Pilipinas.” (AMB/CGCC, PIA Region 1)
