Expanded Program on Immunization

*Definition of Immunization by World Health Organization

Immunization - is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious

disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune
system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease.

FACTS ON IMMUNIZATION:

1. Malnutrition, minor respiratory infections, moderate fever, cough and diarrhea do not
constitute contraindications to vaccinations.
2. Vaccines cause “herd immunity,” which means if the majority of people in a community
have been vaccinated against a disease, an unvaccinated person is less likely to get sick
because others are less likely to get sick and spread the disease.
3. Booster doses are important to maintain continuous protection against the diseases.
4. Vaccines prevent more than 2.5 million deaths each year.
5. No vaccine gives 100% protection. They go hand in hand with good hygiene and other
measures for disease prevention.

Goals of the Program:

1) Universal access to all relevant vaccines for all who are at risk.
2) Ensure infants/children and mothers have access to routinely recommended
infant/childhood vaccines.

The program was established at the Philippines by Pres. Marcos on July 1976
100% of EPI vaccines are funded by the government

In 2011, through Republic Act No. 10152, the mandatory basic immunization now
covers:
 Tuberculosis
 Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
 Poliomyelitis
 Measles
 Mumps
 Rubella or German measles
 Hepatitis-B
 H. Influenza type B (HIB)

Under the law, any “physicians, nurse, midwives, nursing aide, or skilled birth attendant”
present during the delivery of a newborn are required to inform parents or legal
 guardians of the “availability, nature, and benefits” of immunizations against
vaccine-preventable diseases at birth.
The mandatory basic immunization is given free at any government hospital or health
center for children up to 5 years old.
Vaccine against Hepatitis-B should be administered to an infant without 24 hours after
birth. Subsequent doses shall be completed according to the recommended schedule as
provided by the DOH.

PICTURES:
Current Immunization Schedule
References:

https://www.who.int/topics/immunization/en/

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-vaccines\

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fast-facts/195478-doh-expanded-program-immunization-
philippines

https://www.globe-network.org/sites/default/files/en/network/resource/12.joyce-ducusin.pdf