CHILDREN in all communities in Davao City can now avail of the free immunization from their nearest health centers.

Dr. Julinda Acosta, chief of Technical Division of City Health Office (CHO), said in a phone interview with SunStar Davao on Tuesday, October 16, that as long as the children are in the vaccination target age group they can avail of the free immunization.

Kids in Grade One and Grade Seven can avail of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and Tetanus and diptheria (Td) vaccines while the girls age 9 to 13 years old can avail of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for free at their nearest health centers.

"Hindi na namin i-limit sa public school kasi hindi maganda ang turnout, (We will not limit the availability in the public schools because the turnout is not good)", Acosta said.

She further said their office will be giving supplies to Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS). The two offices will meet to plan the implementation of the vaccination to the designated satellite hospitals.

Dr. Marjorie Culas, assistant City Health officer at CHO, said more than 50 percent of the target age group in Davao City were not vaccinated due to the refusal of parents. (RJC)