The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), is intensifying its campaign to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) through expanded school and community immunization efforts.

According to DOH CLCHD Family Health Cluster Nurse Shiela Ann Esteban, the “Bakuna Eskwela” program provides booster shots for Grade 1 (ages 6–7) and Grade 7 (ages 12–13) students. To ensure no child is left behind, the health department also conducts community outreach activities for those who missed their vaccines in school.

“These booster shots strengthen protection against measles-rubella and tetanus-diphtheria. Even children with two prior doses remain at risk of measles, which is why additional protection is vital,” Esteban explained.

The campaign also includes the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to Grade 4 female students, ideally at age 9 and above, to protect them from HPV-related cancers, especially cervical cancer.

Esteban noted that the DOH coordinates with both public and private schools to widen coverage. The targeted diseases include measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and HPV.

The DOH CLCHD reminded parents and guardians that all vaccines under the program are provided free of charge in public schools, and encouraged them to ensure their children complete the recommended doses for stronger, long-term protection.