NO VACCINATION, NO ENROLLMENT?
MARLET R. SANTOS
We are all aware of the rising number of measles cases in the country, the reason why the Department of Health had proposed the implementation of a “no vaccination, no enrollment” policy in public schools.
Is the Department of Education amenable to this?
According to reports, the DepEd is still studying this proposal, as the human rights of learners, especially their access to quality basic education, must be taken into consideration.
Yes, there is a growing need to reinvigorate the campaign for the importance of vaccination, and the DepEd recognizes this. This is why the Department is looking into different ways to regain the confidence of parents in i mmuni zat i on.
In fact, it has made commitments with DOH in ensuring that the learners are protected. Among these are to develop consent form and evaluation form, which will categorize learners as “vaccinated,” “doubtful,” and “not vaccinated”.
It has also committed to verify school records and vaccination cards, gather and share data on the number of learners affected with measles, and coordinate with health center staff on learners who are absent and whose parents did not give consent during vaccination.
The DepEd will also follow up on learners who did not receive vaccination and those who opted to be inoculated by private practitioner.
The Department shall also review and explore the strengthening of Executive Order No. 663, series 2007 (Implementing the National Commitment for “Bakuna ang Una sa Sanggol at Ina,” Attaining World Health Organization’s Goals to Eliminate Measles and Neonatal Tetanus, Eradicate Polio, Control Hepatitis B and Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases) and of Executive Order No. 82, series 2012 (Operationalizing the Practical Guide for National Crisis Managers and the National Crisis Management Core Manual; Establishing National and Local Crisis Management Organizations; and Providing Funds Therefor).
Learners, parents, teaching and non-academic personnel, and stakeholders may rest assured that the Department is working closely with DOH in monitoring measles cases and in strengthening efforts to combat the disease.
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The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School