The chairperson of the House committee on health on Thursday said an aggressive information campaign—not penalties—should be prioritized to address parents who refuse to have their children vaccinated against preventable diseases.
Batanes Lone District Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., who heads the panel, issued the statement in response to a proposal from a Department of Health (DOH) official to consider minor penalties on parents who “consciously neglect” to protect their children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The DOH aims to immunize more than 10 million Filipino children against measles and rubella. However, it noted that the country remains at high risk for vaccine-preventable diseases, with full immunization coverage ranging from 60 to 70 percent from 2018 to 2022.
Gato, a medical doctor, said the government must first ensure the availability and accessibility of vaccines before considering punitive measures.
He stressed that education and access are more effective than punishment in achieving public health goals, as lawmakers continue deliberations on measures to strengthen the country’s immunization program.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “House pushes Info drive instead of penalties for vaccine refusal”
