IF MY memory serves me right, I was in the third grade when the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization began. The program added polio, measles, and tetanus toxoid for pregnant women, and also estimation of vaccine coverage and monitoring of incidence and mortality of six target diseases.
We had no idea what the project was, much less about vaccines. All we knew was that health workers would come to our school on a certain day and that we would be subjected to a “painful injection” that many described as “masakit ya tagana, maging mabaya ka pago, mangalbag ya at mika keloid ka pa potang kinayap ne.”
Imagine how this unfounded notion on vaccines brought fear and chaos to our entire school. I remember how many of my classmates cried endlessly as if their intense wailing would stop the health workers from administering the vaccine. There were even two or three who jumped out of our classroom windows and hid under the Gabaldon building, only to be “caught” by one of the school janitors and brought to the school clinic.
Well, I was one of those who put up a brave front and faced the health worker nonchalantly; only to be in bed the next day due to a slight fever and an extremely sore right arm. To date, I still carry that badge of honor with a big keloid on my right shoulder.
Fast forward to January 2025. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, the anti-flu vaccination rollout was launched successfully. The program’s efficiency and wide reach are a reflection of that steadfast Delta kind of public service. It is also a testament to the provincial government’s commitment to public health, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which taught everyone around the globe valuable lessons about the safety and importance of vaccines.
For this health program, Governor Delta had one clear mission in mind – to protect Pampanga’s residents from the seasonal flu, especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Together with the Department of Health, barangay health workers, district hospitals, and local officials, the provincial government ensured that vaccines reached every corner of the province, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.
Comparing it to my 1976 experience with vaccines, I think one key reason behind the success of this campaign was the thorough, proactive approach to combat vaccine hesitancy. This has been one significant challenge in the past but the Covid-19 pandemic taught us that vaccines could prevent severe illness and protect communities.
I also have to give it to the local health officials who launched various public health campaigns that prioritized clear, fact-based communication, and disseminated accurate information in order to dispel myths and misconceptions about vaccines, and replace fear with confidence. Trusted within their local communities, our barangay health workers played a crucial role in educating residents about the benefits of vaccination, addressing concerns directly, and encouraging participation.
Lest I forget, Pampanga’s district hospitals were central to the campaign. They did not only serve as vaccination hubs but also provided expert guidance on vaccine safety. The partnership between local government units and these healthcare institutions ensured that logistical challenges, like vaccine distribution and storage, were handled efficiently.
Instead of the local resident flocking the district hospitals for that needed jab, public and private school were tapped as they readily opened their doors to become vaccination sites. This set-up enabled students, parents, and staff to receive the flu shot with minimal disruption. Many parents responded positively as they accompanied their children and even brought some family members to schools. The health workers were just too happy to be of service to their townmates.
The result of all these efforts has been overwhelmingly positive. In just the first two weeks of the rollout, over 200,000 were vaccinated—exceeding initial targets.
Lessons learned from this health program? When the public and private sectors unite and remain committed to safeguard public health, a shared responsibility is created. Governor Delta has proven that with the right leadership and community engagement, public health initiatives can thrive and a safer future for all is ensured.
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