TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) has expanded its effort to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) by partnering with the Department of Education in reaching out to communities.
DOH CLCHD Family Health Cluster Nurse Shiela Ann Esteban said these community reach out initiatives aim to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to receive their VPD vaccines.
“Nagkakaroon kami ng community reach-out kung saan pinupuntahan at binabakunahan namin iyong mga batang hindi nabakunahan sa eskwela. Sila iyong mga 6-7 years old at 12-13 years old. (We also conduct community reach-outs to administer vaccine to children who missed the school-based immunization, especially those aged 6-7 for grade 1 and 12-13 for grade 7),” Esteban shared.
VPD vaccines administered through Bakuna Eskwela are booster shots of those given in early childhood.
“These are given to pupils and students in public schools but we are also coordinating with private schools to offer the campaign,” Esteban said.
She identified measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and cervical cancer as among the diseases targeted by the campaign.
Furthermore, Esteban explained that two types of vaccines are given to students in Grade 1 and 7 to protect them against measles-rubella, tetanus-diphtheria.
“Napag-alaman natin na even though bakunado sila ng 2 dose ng vaccine, nagkakatigdas pa rin. Kaya importante na makatanggap sila ng booster against tigdas at tigdas hangin. (We found that even children vaccinated with 2 doses can still contract measles. That is why it is important for them to receive boosters against measles-rubella), Esteban explained.
For Grade 4 female students, Esteban emphasized the importance of receiving the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
HPV vaccine is best administered to girls aged 9 and above as protection against HPV-related cancers, especially cervical cancer.
The DOH CLCHD urged the public, especially parents, to encourage their children to receive booster shots, as diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and HPV can worsen if left untreated.
These vaccines are free of charge in public schools. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
