AN official of the Department of Health (DOH) has assured parents that vaccines being downloaded regularly to Rural Health Units (RHUs) and City Health Offices (CHOs) are safe, and are not expired.

This was the assurance of Dr. Ma. Wilda Silva, head of the Family Health Cluster of DOH, during the KBP Forum last week.

She said the dates of expirations of vaccines are being strictly monitored not only by DOH but also by the Provincial Health Offices (PHOs) and the DOH provincial office to ensure that these are safe and effective.

The vaccines are being used for the regular School-Based Immunization Program for children from Grade I to VI and booster doses for those in Grade VII, the Expanded Program on Immunization targeting Under One year old babies, vaccination for senior citizens against both flu and pneumonia as well as those covered by the Pantawid Pampamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The Under 1 babies receive BCG vaccine as well as against hepatitis B, but when the mother gives birth in a health facility, these immunizations are given to the babies before they are allowed to go home, Silva said.

Silva said that school-based immunization will ensure children’s protection against preventable diseases such as measles Rubella as well as tetanus. 

She said school-based immunization is already 38 percent complete as of August 14 this year.

School-based Immunization Program is being implemented by DOH along with its partner RHUs and CHOs who form teams in going to schools observing definite schedules.

The teams target the bigger schools and far-flung schools first. (Leonardo Micua)

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments