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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider No penalties for parents refusing child immunization, DOH clarifies

No penalties for parents refusing child immunization, DOH clarifies

Health officials stress 'education over punishment'

Published Feb 26, 2026 10:48 pm
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that it will prioritize education and informed decision-making over penalties in encouraging parents to immunize their children. (Manila Bulletin / File)
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that it will prioritize education and informed decision-making over penalties in encouraging parents to immunize their children. (Manila Bulletin / File)
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa on Thursday, February 26, clarified that the department is not imposing — and is not recommending — any penalties for parents who choose not to immunize their children.
In a statement, the DOH emphasized that education and informed decision-making remain the government’s priority.
The clarification came after an erratum was issued by the health department regarding an unofficial recommendation mentioned during a recent hearing at the House of Representatives.
“Kailangan i-inform at i-educate ang mga magulang tungkol sa benepisyo ng mga bakuna (Parents need to be informed and educated about the benefits of vaccines),” Herbosa said. “So inuulit natin, wala po tayong i-impose na penalty (So we repeat, we are not imposing any penalty),” he added.
Herbosa stressed that penalizing parents is not part of DOH policy. He added that the department respects parental rights and personal beliefs when it comes to vaccination decisions.
“Naniniwala kami sa human rights at paniniwala ng ating mga magulang kung gusto o ayaw nilang magpabakuna (We believe in human rights and in the beliefs of our parents on whether they want their children vaccinated or not),” he added.
The DOH also assured the public that it remains committed to balancing public health goals with respect for individual rights as it continues its nationwide immunization efforts.
Focus on education, public health awareness
Meanwhile, DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo reiterated Herbosa’s clarification, saying the department’s official position does not include adding penalties for failure to immunize children.
“The Secretary has clarified that the Department is NOT recommending the addition of any penalties for the failure to have children immunized,” Domingo said.
The DOH also emphasized that its priority is to strengthen vaccine confidence through accurate information campaigns, community engagement, and improved access to immunization services.
“The correct way is to improve information and education initiatives, as there are human rights involved,” Domingo added.
Health officials noted that immunization remains one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable diseases but stressed that public trust and cooperation must be built through education.

Related Tags

DOH immunization policy Philippines DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa vaccine Philippines child immunization Philippines no penalty vaccine refusal Philippines
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