ILOILO City – The Department of Health’s (DOH) school-based immunization program in Western Visayas has restarted with the goal of protecting thousands of children against vaccine-preventable diseases. But while health authorities push for wider coverage, parents remain divided — some firmly backing the campaign, others still hesitant over safety concerns.
Dr. Jose Martin Atienza, Medical Officer III and National Immunization Program coordinator of DOH Region 6, admitted that securing parental consent remains the toughest hurdle.
“We encounter many challenges when it comes to obtaining consent forms from parents and guardians. Because our target recipients are minors, we must secure signed approval from their caregivers. Regrettably, some parents remain hesitant to allow their children to receive vaccinations, largely due to fears surrounding potential side effects and misinformation,” he said.
For many parents and guardians, however, vaccines are viewed as essential protection.
Mary Ann Fajura of Pavia, Iloilo grandmother of a Grade 1 learner, said in Hiligaynon: “Her mother allowed her because it is for her health. She often coughs, so it’s better this way. But it still depends on other mothers; some agree, some don’t.”
Rose Villaron of Sta. Barbara agreed: “Yes, because this is for measles and to avoid getting sick easily. Last year, all Grade 1 students were required to get vaccinated. They already gave us consent forms a week ago.”
Josephine Fagador of San Miguel, a mother of eight, added: “For my children before, they were all complete with vaccines. The mother of my grandchild also agreed. Vaccines are important to keep children away from diseases. All my eight kids are fully vaccinated for measles and booster shots. It is effective.”
For Christy Jean Dela Peña of Pavia, whose youngest child is in Grade 1, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
“Compared to our time before, if you missed vaccines, you only realized their importance when you were sick. Now, my three children—Grade 10, Grade 8, and Grade 1—are all complete with vaccines. No side effects, only mild symptoms like fever that go away with rest. It’s normal,” she said.
Marivic Cabasaan of Mandurriao, Iloilo City, a mother of a Grade 7 learner, also shared her trust in the program: “Since my child was young, she has been complete with vaccines. It is better to have children vaccinated to prevent sickness.”
Still, some parents remain cautious.
Jean Aquino of Pavia said: “I don’t know yet, maybe not. It depends on the teacher and what vaccine will be given, because it might affect my child.”
Jenalyn Reyes, mother of a Grade 4 female student, was more concerned: “I don’t think so, because I worry about the vaccine’s effect on the brain and body, especially since it is for cervical cancer.”
Similarly, Realy Reyes of Sta. Barbara hesitated: “No, because my child is often sick and gets fever even for minor reasons. I’m worried vaccination might add to what she feels, but it still depends on the vaccine.”
At the school level, administrators are working to bridge the gap.
Bonifacia Dalugdugan, principal of Bakhaw Integrated School in Mandurriao, said they respect parental decisions but continue to push for education.
“For those parents who are against it, they may not fully understand the content of the vaccines or the purpose of vaccination. We held an orientation with doctors and speakers to explain everything. Consent forms were distributed, and health workers and teachers clarified concerns. As teachers, we cannot force parents; it ultimately lies with them,” she stressed.
Dalugdugan also addressed concerns raised by health practitioners that some high school students might forge their parents’ signatures.
“So far, we have not encountered any cases. We are actively monitoring and conducting orientations with parents as the program begins at our school on September 9,” she said.
Dr. Atienza assured that vaccines used are safe and internationally approved.
“Some parents are afraid of adverse events following immunization, but we always assure them that our vaccines are safe, effective, and free. These are all approved by our FDA and even by the World Health Organization,” he emphasized.
He explained that side effects are “minor and normal reactions” as the body develops antibodies.
“These antibodies are what protect us once we are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases,” he added.
This year, DOH-6 targets to vaccinate 62,843 Grade 1 pupils with measles-rubella (MR) and tetanus-diphtheria (TD) vaccines; 84,142 Grade 7 students with MR and TD shots; and 38,612 Grade 4 female learners with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer./PN
