CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) is intensifying localized information campaigns and community engagement initiatives to address vaccine hesitancy, in support of the Marcos Jr. administration’s goal of strengthening preventive healthcare services nationwide.
Misinformation and lingering doubts about vaccine safety continue to affect immunization efforts in some communities, prompting the agency to expand its advocacy and public education initiatives.
To address this, DOH CLCHD Child Health Medical Coordinator Divina Rae Bermudez said their Health Promotion and Communications Management units are conducting localized technical sessions and community engagements involving barangay officials, health workers, and local leaders.
“Tinatawag namin itong localized technical sessions kung saan kasama natin ang barangay leaders at health workers para maipaliliwanag nang maayos ang kahalagahan ng bakuna,” she explained.
The agency also introduced ‘vaccine champions’ composed not only of healthcare workers but also of mothers and community members who advocate immunization within their communities.
“Hindi lang health workers ang vaccine champions natin. May mga nanay at community members din tayong tumutulong para hikayatin ang ibang magulang,” Bermudez added.
DOH CLCHD stressed that the Marcos Jr. administration continues to prioritize childhood immunization as part of broader efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and disease prevention.
The agency likewise assured the public that vaccines distributed in health centers undergo strict cold chain management and continuous monitoring to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Health workers likewise receive regular refresher training on proper vaccine handling, administration, and monitoring of possible adverse effects following immunization.
“Ang ating mga bakuna ay dumadaan sa mahigpit na monitoring at tamang temperature management para matiyak ang kaligtasan nito,” Bermudez furthered.
She noted that vaccines remain among the most effective measures in preventing serious illnesses and complications among children.
“Ang bakuna ay isang proteksyon at pagmamahal para sa ating mga anak dahil nakatutulong ito upang maiwasan ang sakit at komplikasyon,” Bermudez pressed.
The agency urged parents to seek accurate health information from legitimate medical and government sources and to coordinate with their local health centers regarding vaccination schedules and child health services. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)