DOH-XI to Heighten School-Based Immunization Starting August

The Department of Health-XI is all set to heighten the school-based immunization as opening of classes nears.

DOH XI Officer-in-Charge of the Local Health Support Division Dr. Raquel Montejo announced during the DOH Monthly Media Forum held Monday (May 20) that the department is all set and is encouraging parents of Grade 1 and Grade 7 students to avail the free vaccination against measles rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.

“ We are maximizing the Brigada Eskwela as our venue to inform and encourage parents to submit their kids to the free immunization,” Montejo said.

The government agency had difficulty to hit 100 percent of its target in last school year which has pushed them to start the information drive as early as the conduct of Brigada Eskwela.

Vaccination in all public schools will start this August. The DOH will also offer free HPV vaccination to Grade 4 students.

The health official bared that most parents are no longer afraid to submit their kids to vaccination despite the Dengvanxia issue which somehow affected the behavior of people towards vaccination.

“ We have intensified our information drive through the help of various media platforms which resulted to realization of the public not to fear vaccination,” Montejo said.

DOH XI, early this year, conducted mall-based measles vaccination for qualified kids. It was believed to be an effective strategy to change people’s perception on vaccination.

In Davao Region, 893 cases were monitored by the department from January to May 13 this year. It is 18 percent lower than the number of cases reported in the same period last year.

There are 357 cases reported in Davao City with 8 deaths; 191 cases in Davao del Norte with 2 deaths; 141 cases in Davao Oriental; 97 cases in Compostela Valley with 2 deaths; 89 cases in Davao del Sur; and only 18 cases in Davao Occidental. (PIA/FGM)