DepEd, DOH launch school-based immunization drive in Region-7

CEBU, Philippines — In a proactive move to safeguard learners against vaccine-preventable diseases, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VII, in partnership with the Department of Health – Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD), is rolling out a region-wide orientation and mobilization for the October 2025 School-Based Immunization (SBI) campaign.

Anchored on DepEd Memorandum No. 085, s. 2025 and Regional Memorandum No. 0969, s. 2025, the initiative seeks to strengthen the delivery of immunization services in schools across Central Visayas.

With the full resumption of face-to-face classes, health officials warned of increased vulnerability among learners, prompting inter-agency coordination to prevent possible outbreaks.

To kick off the campaign, DOH-CVCHD and DepEd Region VII will hold a series of orientations from October 1 to 3, 2025, targeting SBI focal persons, selected district supervisors, and school health and nutrition personnel.

The sessions will be held at Sarrosa International Hotel in Cebu City and Reynas the Haven and Gardens in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

On October 1, participants from the schools division offices of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Bogo City, Carcar City, Danao City, City of Naga, Talisay City, and Toledo City are expected to gather for the first orientation at Sarrosa Hotel.

Cebu Province followed on October 2 with a 40-member delegation, while Bohol Province and Tagbilaran City will complete the series on October 3 at Reynas in Tagbilaran.

Dr. Rogelio John D. Villamor Jr., DOH Medical Officer IV, will lead the discussions on updated SBI guidelines, coordination protocols, and monitoring mechanisms.

The orientation will also tackle timely parental consent, cold chain logistics, and synchronized scheduling with Rural Health Units and Barangay Health Stations.

Food and venue expenses for confirmed participants will be covered by DOH-CVCHD, while travel and incidental costs are to be shouldered by respective Schools Division Offices, in line with government accounting rules.

DepEd Region VII Director Salustiano T. Jimenez underscored the urgency of the campaign, saying: “This activity aims to sustain the delivery of immunization services, including school-based vaccination, to prevent potential health crisis and outbreaks.”

Vaccines and monitoring

The October SBI rollout will include on-site vaccination of eligible learners, targeting measles-rubella (MR), tetanus-diphtheria (Td), and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

Weekly monitoring reports are due every Friday starting October 10, with the Regional Office set to provide technical support to divisions facing logistical challenges. — (FREEMAN)