BAGUIO CITY – the Department of Health Regional Office (DOH-RO) in coordination with the City Government and the Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Baguio implemented Monday (August 10) free immunization for school children in this mountain resort.
The School-based Immunization Program dubbed “Bakuna para sa Kabataan, Proteksyon sa Kinabukasan,” is a nationwide free vaccination program for school children Grades 1 and 7.
The launching was undertaken at the Baguio Central Elementary School spearheaded by Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Committee on Health and Environment Councilor Fred Bagbagen, Committee on Education Councilor Peter Fianza, Deped Baguio Assistant Superintendent Atty. Augustin Laban, Health Officials and teachers.
According to DOH OIC-Assistant Regional Director Dr. Janice Bugtong, the national immunization program is anchored on the basic principle that “the health of children comes first.”
Bugtong said, “what is being given to children Grades 1 and 7 is booster doses for tetanus, diphtheria, measles, rubella (German measles).
“Children who are not immunized can suffer complications such as permanent damage or even death,” she said.
In addition, DOH Regional Office is targeting 5,213 grade 1 and 5,912 grade 7 school children to be immunized in the city alone.
The DOH uses vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) which are safe, effective and used worldwide.
This it said is to prevent and eliminate the emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Meantime, Domogan acknowledged the endeavour of the DOH in prioritizing the health of the children stating that they are the hope of the future.
“I am happy that the parents came-out to give their full support to this important immunization program, we cannot do this without your help,” he said.
The school-based immunization program is implemented August of every year. /Paul Rillorta
