DepEd plans immunization push for 4.6 million students in 2026

MANILA—The Department of Education is preparing to expand its school-based immunization program, with plans to vaccinate approximately 4.6 million learners during the 2026-2027 school year. The Bakuna Eskwela campaign will administer vaccines against measles-rubella, tetanus-diphtheria, and human papillomavirus (HPV) across participating schools nationwide.

The initiative, supported by Jhpiego Philippines—a global health organization partnered with Johns Hopkins University—aims to bolster immunization coverage among the student population. Primary targets include Grade 1 students, with approximately 3.6 million learners expected to receive the vaccines through the school-based program.

The vaccination campaign represents a continuation of DepEd's commitment to protecting student health through preventive medicine. By leveraging schools as vaccination points, the department seeks to reach learners efficiently while reducing barriers to immunization access for families across the country.

The program aligns with the government's broader public health objectives to maintain high immunization rates and prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases among the youth population. Further details on the implementation timeline and coverage areas are expected to be announced by DepEd in the coming months.