THE Department of Health (DOH) will launch an immunization drive for all school-aged children by September following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive in his 4th State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced the plan Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the 2025 Post-Sona Briefing. The DOH will provide vaccines against measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria, among others.
"By September or October, we will launch our school-aged vaccination campaign," said Herbosa.
"The demand is there. We just thought anti-vaxxers are noisy on social media. But most mothers want their children to be vaccinated. Our job is to provide the vaccines and make sure they are available at the health centers," he added.
The health chief stated that assistance from local government units, volunteers, and civil society organizations is needed to reach their target.
"Our target is usually 95 percent of about 2 million children for them to complete their vaccines," said Herbosa.
In addition to routine vaccines, the DOH will offer free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccines to all nine-year-old girls. This expansion aims to prevent cervical cancer.
"We will have HPV vaccines for nine year old girls to prevent cervical cancer. This is the first time we will have this program for HPV," said Herbosa.
"Prior to this, the only HPV that was purchased are those for the poorest. We earlier proposed that all nine year old girls (be given). In the budget for 2025, it was given. This is the first time HPV vaccination will be done," he added.
He said the program will be a big help to Filipinos as each dose of HPV costs P4,000.
"They need two doses. That will cost P8,000. Now, the government will pay for this," said Herbosa.
Marcos directed the DOH to complete children's vaccinations as soon as possible during his 4th Sona. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)