The Department of Health (DOH) has expressed its “full” support to the decision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to remove the vaccination requirement for tertiary students and personnel who will participate in face-to-face classes.
In a statement, the DOH said that the CHED consulted the health agency before “arriving at the updated policy to allow students and HEI (higher education institution) personnel, regardless of vaccination status, to participate in face-to-face classes.”
“The Department of Health fully supports the Commission on Higher Education as it updates its guidelines for full face-to-face classes in higher education institutions,” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
“Our Covid-19 response is dynamic, and always follows the latest scientific recommendations available,” she added.
During the DOH and CHED meeting last Aug. 29, it was noted that there is already “a high Covid-19 vaccination coverage in Philippine higher education, with 77 percent of students and 90 percent of HEI personnel already fully vaccinated against the virus,” the state health agency said.
Data also showed that there is “less infections in the 18 to 25 age group compared to other age groups,” the DOH said.
The DOH also noted that the omicron variant as well as its sub-variants “thus far have lower fatality or severity of disease.”
Such a policy is also being implemented in some countries such as Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore, the DOH said.
This move is also supported by the global community, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, added the DOH.
“The benefits of in-person and face-to-face schooling now outweigh the risk of Covid-19 infections. Face-to-face classes boost academic performance, improve on mental health and well-being, and help develop social engagement skills,” said Vergeire.
“Furthermore, many of our bright yet disadvantaged students find it difficult to spend on devices and internet access,” she added.
However, Covid-19 vaccination is still strongly recommended by the state health agency.
“Even as proof of vaccination is no longer needed, vaccination and boosters for all eligible individuals is still strongly recommended. Let us keep the wall of immunity strong,” said Vergeire.