“Bakunang Tuloy-tuloy” for Children
The Weekly
Kapihan on July 25, 2015 discussed the topic, “Bakunang Tuloy-tuloy, Batang
Aklanon”. The venue was at Ninos Function Hall, Ester Subdivision, New Buswang,
Kalibo. The guests were: Ms. Bella AR Villaruel, Nurse II PHO, Dr. Conelio V.
Canchon, Jr. PHO I; Ms. Grace B. Ureta, Development Officer DOH; and Dr. Rao-by
Fernandez, DepEd.
Dr. Cuachon in a
power point presentation discussed the mechanics and guidelines of Dept. Memo
No. 2015-0146 or Implementation of School-based Immunization. Since 1975 DOH
has provided free vaccines for infants. However, its efficacy could decline
over time. Hence, the need of booster doses. The targets of immunization drive
this year in the province of Aklan are Grade I and Grade VII pupils enrolled in
the public schools to be vaccinated against measles, Rubella (MR) and
Tetanus-diptheria (Td) vaccines.
Obviously, Aklan
has low cases of human papilloma virus (HPV). Hence, Grade IV female students,
9-13 years old are excluded. HPV is causal agent of cervical cancer and 2nd
leading cause of mortality after breast cancer. This program is implemented in
neighboring province of Iloilo, said Dr. Cuachon.
Ms. Ureta
underscored that the program is first piloted among students of selected public
secondary schools in 2013 where high risk and vulnerability based on behavior
and potential for the outbreak in school and community were observed. Using 3
vaccines (MR, Td and HPV) and immunization coverage of 78.7 per cent in 19
cities and provinces, results of immunization program was highly successful.
The schedule of
mass vaccination will cover the whole month of August. It will include all 322
public schools, said Dr. Fernandez. The vaccination program is free and needs a
prior written approval by a parent or guardian. In case of zero or 1 dose or
vaccination referral or no immunization card presented, the student shall
neither be suspended, grounded nor reprimanded added Dr. Fernandez.
There may be
adverse effects following immunization such as fainting, and dizziness. Ms.
Villaruel enjoins school heads or principals to have vaccination site in less
conspicuous areas. It must be timed to fall during recess period or when pupils
have taken their snacks.
Last year during
the time of Sec. Enrique Ona, the mass vaccination program of DOH-PHO against
measles, Rubella, Polio, and Tetanus among children had a maximum target of 95
percent coverage. Cogent reason is removal of pockets or source of infection.
Presently, under Secretary Janette Garin, this is circumvented to include only
pupils enrolled in public elementary schools to the exclusion of private
schools and schools dropouts.
Based on PHO
data, there is one measles incidence from January to April 2015 though in July,
there were 3 cases. Aklan therefore is classified as less priority area.
Whether this is due to this mild El Nino or not, full preventive measures must
be initiated by DOH-PHO. Representation must be made with WHO and Unicef for
full coverage against preventable diseases affecting children and young adults.
Dr. Cuachon
averred that the number one cause of mortality in Aklan is pneumonia. The
second is non-communicable diseases (NCD) that include cancer, diabetes and
cardio vascular disease. Well, according to National Academy of Science, NCD’s
killed 300, 000 Pinoys in 2012 or considered single worse disaster or
epidemic.
The Philippines’
national health concern should also be focused on obese and overweight
children. For children 5-10 years old, the prevalence of obesity and overweight
was higher at 5.8 per cent in 2013 but went down to 5.0 per cent in 2014. Obese
and overweight children are in danger of type 2 diabetes, cardio vascular
disease, various forms of cancer and arthritis.
There is greater
involvement of line agencies in this year’s campaign namely: DOH, PHO, DepEd,
DILG, LGU, PTA and Private Sector/Professional Organizations. There is more
reasons to reach maximum target. /MP
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