The Department of Health (DOH) will roll out an expanded nationwide immunization campaign starting September, aiming to vaccinate millions of children and vulnerable groups against life-threatening but preventable diseases, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced.
Speaking in a public briefing, Herbosa said the goal is to immunize 95% of roughly two million children annually with 16 different vaccines under the National Immunization Program. These include protection against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis, and other illnesses.
“Vaccination is really worth it; this is how we prevent children from dying from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Herbosa said. “Each year, children need to complete all vaccinations. This is a collaborative effort with LGUs, civil society, and the private sector,” he added.
The DOH will launch a school-based vaccination campaign in September and October, which includes catch-up shots for measles and rubella, booster doses for tetanus and diphtheria, and—for the first time—a nationwide rollout of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for all nine-year-old girls.
“It is only during our current administration that we will buy HPV vaccines for all young girls,” Herbosa said, adding that the government has allocated funds in the 2025 budget for this initiative. “Two doses, almost P8,000 in value, but the government shoulders it,” he said.
The DOH emphasized that strong support from local government units and community volunteers, including barangay health workers, remains critical in identifying unvaccinated children and bringing vaccines directly to communities.
Herbosa cited the ongoing “Purok Kalusugan” house-to-house program and DOH’s participation in events like the First Lady’s “Lab-for-All” as examples of how outreach is being strengthened.
While vaccine hesitancy remains a concern, Herbosa downplayed fears of widespread resistance, citing survey results that show 85% of Filipino mothers want their children vaccinated. He acknowledged that misinformation on social media has fueled public doubts but stressed the importance of evidence-based education.
“There are just a lot of noisy people online, but most mothers still want their children protected,” he said. The DOH’s immunization program also includes vaccines for senior citizens, such as those for influenza and pneumococcal infections.
Herbosa encouraged all sectors, including the military, private sector, and civic groups like the Rotary Club, to continue supporting the country’s efforts to achieve full immunization coverage.
