By Michelle Ducut
A total of 164,774 students in Grades 1, 4, and 7 across the Ilocos Region have been vaccinated against measles-rubella (MR), tetanus-diphtheria (TD), and human papillomavirus (HPV) through the Department of Health’s (DOH) school-based immunization program “Bakuna Eskwela.”
DOH-Ilocos Region medical officer Dr. Rheuel Bobis reported on Friday that, as of December 15, 125,848 learners in Grades 1 and 7 received MR vaccines, while 125,838 were vaccinated against TD. The figures are part of the program’s target population of 172,538.
In addition, 38,926 Grade 4 students received the first dose of the HPV vaccine, while 4,517 completed the second dose. The program aimed to vaccinate 45,200 Grade 4 learners.
Pangasinan reported the highest number of vaccinated students, with 72,598 in Grades 1 and 7 and 21,415 in Grade 4. It was followed by Ilocos Sur with 19,387 Grades 1 and 7 and 6,844 Grade 4 students; La Union with 17,535 Grades 1 and 7 and 5,366 Grade 4 students; and Ilocos Norte with 16,328 Grades 1 and 7 and 5,301 Grade 4 students.
The program, conducted in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), resumed this year after being halted in 2021 due to the pandemic. Implementation took place from October to November.
Dr. Bobis encouraged students who missed the school-based vaccination to avail of the services at their local Rural Health Units (RHUs), acknowledging the impact of weather-related class suspensions on the program’s turnout.
“The vaccines provided are safe, effective, and have undergone rigorous clinical trials and certifications. These are free in public schools and protect students from vaccine-preventable diseases,” the DOH stated.