As part of World Immunization Week, the Department of Health (DOH) is launching a vaccination campaign in Calbayog, Samar, targeting thousands of children, women, and seniors.
On the first day of the campaign, about 31,000 Filipinos are expected to receive vaccines, including infants who will get five key vaccines to protect against diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, polio, and measles.
The DOH reports a significant decrease in unvaccinated children, from over 1 million during the COVID-19 pandemic to 163,000 in 2023, with 64% of children aged 0-12 months already immunized.
In addition to child vaccinations, senior citizens will receive flu and pneumococcal vaccines, while women aged 9-14 will get the HPV vaccine, and pregnant women will receive a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine.
The DOH has allocated P7.9 billion for vaccine procurement in 2025 and emphasizes vaccination as a vital part of its effort to ensure universal health care and protect Filipinos from preventable diseases.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 25, 2025
