In this June 4, 2022 article published by Panay News, we learn about the low vaccination rate among the pediatric age group, particularly those aged 5 to 11 years. Because of this, the Department of Health in Western Visayas has recommended that health officers tap schools conducting face-to-face classes to increase the vaccination rate among young children.

To support this initiative, the Interagency Task Force (IATF) issued Resolution 167-D which strongly encourages public and private educational institutions for basic education to undertake COVID vaccination programs for their learners. The report says, “These educational institutions…are enjoined to allow the DOH in coordination with their respective LGUs to conduct the COVID-19 vaccination program within their premises to provide an opportunity for children to get vaccinated”.

Editor’s Note: We are happy to note that parents are rejecting the COVID shots for their kids. We hope that this will continue and that parents will also start learning about holistic health to better support the health and immunity of their children.

On another note, we have been hearing of reports in the barangays that local health officers are threatening parents that their unvaccinated children will not be allowed to join face-face classes. This is illegal, based on RA 11525, and is against Resolution 167-D which specifies, “COVID-19 vaccination shall not be made a requirement for the conduct of face-to-face classes for basic education” [Also read IATF backs return to face-to-face classes, rejects mandatory vaccination].

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