The Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH CLCHD) spearheads the virtual Kick-off Ceremony for Community-based Immunization and Catch-up Vaccination for Routine Immunization as part of its commitment in protecting every child from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, most especially in this time of COVID-19 Pandemic.
“Aside from protecting our general population from COVID-19, we also have to protect our children from Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. In 2018, we have seen a number of Measles cases in our country and in 2019 Polio outbreak was declared, wherein most affected population were children.” said Corazon Flores, OIC-Regional Director, DOH CLCHD.
“In addition, with our given situation, the School-Based Immunization was interrupted; therefore, as a response, the DOH will now be conducting the supposed School-Based Immunization through the community setting. As part of our commitment in safeguarding the health of our children, the DOH launches the Community-based Immunization and Catch-up Vaccination for Routine Immunization which starts today and will end in December of this year.” Director Corazon added.
“The local government of the City of San Fernando also pledges its support to protect every child from various diseases which can be prevented through vaccination. Rest assured that we are one with the DOH in providing essential health services to our Filipino citizens, including vaccination among our children.” said Dr. Iris Munoz, Rural Health Physician.
The Community-based Immunization program intends to vaccinate all children from Grade 1 or 6-7 years of age, and Grade 7 or 12-13 years of age with MR-TD vaccines to protect them from Measles, Rubella, Tetanus, and Diphtheria. In specific areas such as Province of Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Zambales children from Grade 4 or 9-14 years of age will be given Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, supply permitting.
On the other hand, Catch-up Vaccination for Routine Immunization aims to vaccinate all children aged 23 months and below who missed their primary scheduled immunization. This will protect them from Measles, Mumps, Polio, Hepatitis B, among others.
The DOH CLCHD calls on every parent and caregiver to bring their children to the nearest health center or identified vaccination posts for immunization. Together, let us protect our children from these Vaccine-Preventable Diseases! Have them vaccinated!
