1. Dengue virus is one of the leading causes of illness in the Philippines. The country ranks fourth in the number of dengue cases among the ten ASEAN nations. It has been estimated that the direct medical cost of dengue Is around 345 million dollars or 16 billion pesos annually. Dengue indeed poses not only a public health burden but also significant economic and social implications in the country.
2. The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) since 2013 have implemented the School-Based Vaccination in both elementary and secondary schools In the country. Measles, Rubella, Tetanus, and Diptheria Vaccines have been provided for free and will be provided every August to Grade 1 and Grade 7 learners nationwide.
3. This year, the School-Based Immunization (SBI) will be expanded to include dengue vaccination. This initiative is deemed as a more effective, sustainable, and cost effective strategy to reduce the increasing number of cases of dengue among the school age population in the country.
4. For Calendar Year 2016, the SBI Dengue Vaccination will be provided to all Grade 4 learners, nine years old and above, currently enrolled in public elementary schools in the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions III and W-A (CALABARZON). The vaccine will be given In three doses (0-6-12 months Interval) using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tetravalent vaccine.
5. Enclosed are the implementing guidelines for the Program and the DOH Department Memorandum No. 0096, s. 2016 entitled Guidelines in the School-Based Immunization of Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine.
6. Regional directors, school division superintendents, and other school officials are enjoined to provide full support in the conduct of the said activity. School health personnel are expected to coordinate with DOH regional and provincial health officers for the implementation and conduct of the school-based vaccination program. This activity shall be monitored by the DOH and by the DepEd, central, regional and division offices.
7. Parental consent must be secured prior to the conduct of the vaccination.
