Introduction
The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in the Philippines began in 1986 in response to the Universal Child Immunization goal The four major strategies include: 1) Sustaining high routine Full Immunized Child (FIC) coverage of at least 90% in all provinces and cities, 2) Sustaining the polio-free country for global certification, 3) Eliminating measles by 2008, 4) Eliminating neonatal tetanus by 2008[1].
Routine Schedule of Immunization
Every Wednesday is designated as immunization day and is adopted in all parts of the country. Immunization is done monthly in barangay health stations, quarterly in remote areas of the country.
Routine Immunization Schedule for Infants
The standard routine immunization schedule for infants in the Philippines is adopted to provide maximum immunity against the seven vaccine preventable diseases in the country before the child's first birthday. The fully immunized child must have completed BCG, DPT 1, DPT 2, DPT 3, OPV 1, OPV 2, OPV 3 and measles vaccines before the child is 12 months of age[2].
| Vaccine | Minimum Age at 1st Dose | Number of Doses | Minimum Interval Between Doses | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacillus Calmette-Guérin | BCG given at earliest possible age protects the possibility of TB meningitis and other TB infections in which infants are prone[3] | |||
| Diptheria-Pertussis-Typhoid Vaccine | An early start with DPT reduces the chance of severe pertussis. | |||
| Oral Polio Vaccine | The extent of protection against polio is increased the earlier the OPV is given. Keeps the Philippines polio-free. | |||
| Hepatitis B Vaccine | 8 weeks interval from 2nd dose to third dose. |
An early start of Hep B reduces the chance of being infected and becoming a carrier. Prevents liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. About 9,000 die of complications of Hepatits B. 10% of Filipinos have Hepatitis B infection[4] | ||
| Measles Vaccine (not MMR) |
At least 85% of measles can be prevented by immunization at this age. |
References
- ^ National League of Philippine Goverment Nurses, Inc "Public Health Nursing in the Philippines" 2007. Manila, Philippines. 2007.
- ^ National Statistics Office "2001 and 2002 Maternal and Child Health Survey"
- ^ Puvacic, S. (2004-02). "Protective effect of neonatal BCG vaccines against tuberculous meningitis". Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 4 (1): 46–9. Retrieved 2007-05-11.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Salazar, Tessa R. (2004-05-24). "Cancer Preventable Says US Doctor" (PDF). The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2007-05-11.
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