The Department of Health (DOH) has clarified that participation in the 2026 School-Based Immunization Campaign is not compulsory for students. In a recent announcement, the DOH addressed false claims circulating on social media about mandatory vaccinations.
The agency underscored that students will receive vaccinations only with the explicit consent of their parents or guardians. “Do not believe misinformation about vaccination. Vaccination is not mandatory,” the DOH stated.
Details of the Immunization Program
The School-Based Immunization Campaign, which runs from October to December 2026, is designed to target specific age groups for essential vaccinations. Included in the program are:
- Measles-rubella (MR) and tetanus-diphtheria (TD) vaccines for Grade 1 and Grade 7 students.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for female Grade 4 and Grade 5 students.
The DOH has urged parents and guardians to allow their children to get vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of these vaccines in preventing severe health issues. “Measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and cervical cancer can be fatal or lead to hospitalization. These can be prevented through vaccination. Get vaccinated now,” the agency advised.