The City Government of Davao, through the City Health Office (CHO), on Monday kicked off World Immunization Week 2025 with simultaneous immunization activities at the Gaisano Grand Mall Toril and NCCC Mall Activity Area (formerly Victoria Plaza).
The immunization activities aim to have more children immunized as well as raise public awareness on the importance of immunization.
Dr. Analiza Mabulay, National Immunization Program City Coordinator, emphasized the importance of immunization and completing the necessary vaccines for infants and school-aged children during the activity.
“Very important ang bakuna kay kani naga-protect ug naga-save sa mga bata against sa mga vaccine-preventable diseases (Immunization is very important since this will help protect children from acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases),”she said.
During the kick-off activity, Dr. Jo-Anne Jajuri Lobo, Head of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Section of the Southern Philippines Medical Center, gave a lecture on immunization basics, while Edgar S. Sala II, RN also gave a lecture on Human Papillomavirus.
Services offered during the activity include routine vaccination of Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT-HepB-H1B) PCV, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Inactive Polio Vaccine (IPV), Pneumococcal Conjugate, and Mumps Measles and Rubella (MMR) for infants 6 weeks old to 59 months old.
For children aged 6–7 years old and 12–13 years old, routine vaccination for Measles Rubella and Tetanus Diphtheria vaccination is also available, while for female children aged 9–14 years old, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is also offered.
The activity will run from April 28 to May 3.
On April 28–30 and May 2–3, the CHO will be in NCCC Mall Activity Area (formerly Victoria Plaza) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while on April 30, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., an immunization activity will also be conducted at the 3rd floor of NCCC Mall Buhangin.
On May 2, 2025, CHO will conduct an immunization activity at the Annex of SM City Davao.
Infants and children who have been vaccinated must have their immunization card to determine the kind of vaccine and correct schedules.
Malubay said that throughout the year, the CHO continues to offer free routine vaccinations in its district health centers. These immunization activities are not only limited to the weeklong celebration of the World Immunization Week.
She also urged parents, especially those who still have vaccine hesitancy, to have their children vaccinated and to complete their immunization.
“Sa mga nahadlok magpabakuna kadtong ginatawag nato nga naa’y vaccine hesitancy ang atoang mga bakuna is safe ug effective, dili ta angay mahadlok, ug libre pud (To parents who still have vaccine hesitancy, our vaccines are safe and effective. These are also offered for free)”Malubay said. CIO
