Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 663)
The Department of Health (DOH) is the lead agency responsible for implementing the program.
The DOH shall implement the program by strengthening routine vaccination for mothers and infants, conduct mass measles vaccination campaigns, formulate guidelines, provide vaccines, offer technical assistance to LGUs, conduct advocacy, monitor immunization reports, and publish semi-annual progress reports jointly with the Council for the Welfare of Children.
LGUs must ensure complete immunization of pregnant mothers and infants free of charge, conduct immunization outreach, maintain staffing and supplies, finance health worker travel expenses, conduct social mobilization, report vaccine coverage and suspected vaccine-preventable disease cases, and conduct supplemental immunization activities as instructed by the DOH.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) advocates LGU compliance; the Department of Education (DepEd) ensures children entering school are fully vaccinated and reports suspected cases; the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) manages vaccination status in day care and pre-schools and reports suspected cases; the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) coordinates among agencies and publishes progress reports.
Yes, the DOH shall provide funds for quality vaccine procurement, while LGUs fund the procurement and disposal of needles and syringes, travel expenses for health workers, and related immunization activities.
At least 95% of the child population must be fully immunized annually, and 80% of pregnant mothers must be vaccinated with tetanus toxoid to protect newborns from neonatal tetanus.
Yes, there are mandates for quarterly and annual reporting by LGUs, schools, and other agencies on immunization coverage and suspected cases. There is also social mobilization advocacy led by DOH and supported by civil society groups.
All suspected vaccine-preventable disease cases that meet standard case definitions must be identified, investigated, and reported promptly to the next higher epidemiologic surveillance unit, with weekly zero reporting required even when no cases are found.
Yes, LGUs are mandated to ensure that pregnant mothers and infants receive complete immunization free of charge.