Philippines DepEd Prepares for 2026 School-Based Immunization Campaign

• The Department of Education (DepEd) held a planning workshop for the 2026-2027 school-based immunization (SBI) program.
• The campaign, run in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), aims to immunize students against measles-rubella (MR), tetanus-diphtheria (Td), and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Targeted Populations

• Grade 1 learners (ages 6–7) and Grade 7 learners (ages 12–13): Target for MR and Td vaccines (approx. 3.6 million students).
• Grade 4 female learners (ages 9–10): Target for HPV vaccination (approx. 1 million students).

Planning and Strategy

• The initiative shifts from reactive planning to evidence-based operations, utilizing insights from the HAPPI program and CDC-supported behavioral research.
• Focus areas include addressing logistical barriers, supply chain challenges, and parental vaccine hesitancy.
• Regional and school division offices are coordinating with local health partners to improve access in underserved areas.

Objectives

• Strengthen schools as key platforms for delivering preventive health services under the Universal Health Care Law.
• Protect school-age children from communicable diseases and reduce long-term risks, such as cervical cancer in preadolescent girls.