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].

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"

[1] National League of Philippine Goverment Nurses, Inc "Public Health Nursing in the Philippines" 2007. Manila, Philippines. 2007.

[2] National Statistics Office "2001 and 2002 Maternal and Child Health Survey"

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