The Davao City Health Office (CHO) is intensifying its vaccination campaign across the city to improve childhood immunization coverage.
Dr. Analiza Malubay, City Coordinator for the National Immunization Program, said on Thursday that the CHO aims to immunize around 40,500 infants this year.
Malubay said alongside the standard immunization services provided at the District Health Centers, the CHO plans to enhance its outreach by hosting a complimentary immunization event at the NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza from April 28 to 30 and May 2 to 3, as part of wider efforts to increase public awareness during World Immunization Week.
She reported that in the previous year, the CHO immunized 23,000 out of 40,100 infants in Davao City while in the school vaccination programs, fewer than half of the 30,000 students received vaccines.
Malubay also emphasized that some vaccine hesitancies continue to be common among parents.
“Naa po’y uban parents hesitant pa kay nine years old pa lagi daw ang bata nganong tagaan na ug ingon ana (Human papillomavirus) nga bakuna when, in fact, it works best ana gyod nga edad for maximum effect,” she said.
Malubay urged all parents to avail of the free vaccination services in the District Health Centers and the upcoming immunization drive at the NCCC Mall Victoria Plaza.
According to the Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao Region), immunization remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), reducing mortality, and securing a healthier future for all.
This week, DOH Davao, led by the Undersecretary of Health and Concurrent Regional Director Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., in partnership with local government units, provincial health offices, city and municipal health offices, partner agencies, and rural health teams, launched simultaneous immunization drives and public health awareness activities across the region.
The 2025 World Immunization Week is celebrated by the country with the theme: “Magpabakuna: Bakuna para sa Lahat, Kayang-Kaya”—emphasizing that vaccines are safe, effective, and accessible to all, regardless of age or background.
