LAOAG CITY — Trained health workers from the Department of Health, (DOH) in coordination with the local government unit of Bacarra, are currently making the rounds of public schools to provide vaccines to children against tetanus and cervical cancer.
At least 38 Grade 1 pupils were given tetanus vaccine at the Bacarra Elementary School on Monday while 12 girls from Grade 4 were immunized against cervical cancer.
Health workers led by Dr. Manuel Andres, Municipal Health Officer of Bacarra town, administered the vaccines.
Nelia Visaya, a Grade 1 teacher of Bacarra Central School, said they were happy to be among the recipients of the nationwide immunization drive to protect children from diseases, which could be deadly if not prevented.
But prior to the administration of the vaccines, their parents were asked for their consent.
“Fortunately, all the parents expressed their willingness to have their children vaccinated,” said Visaya.
She added there were some school children who were not able to receive the vaccine today (July 16) because they had fever.
During the administration of the vaccines, health personnel explained to the children that they could possibly experience tolerable pain. They may also experience temporary and manageable side effects like fainting, mostly due to fear of injection; swelling, fever or rashes.
But the discomfort would just be temporary compared to the child’s protection from diseases, the health personnel said. (PNA)
