March 15, 2021
Legazpi City/March 15, 2021. DepEd Bicol will be active in advocating information dissemination on COVID-19 Vaccination Program as its commitment to support the government’s efforts in fighting the disease.
As such, DepEd teachers will not be allowed to do the actual vaccination. Vaccination shall be done by medical experts and those with medical training on the said procedure.
Meanwhile, on the issue of the use of school facilities and classrooms as vaccination centers, as identified by the LGUs may be allowed as applicable to the local situation subject to compliance with the applicable DepEd issuances and there is a coordination with the local health units to identify the particular assistance needed from the Schools Division Office.
RD Gilbert Sadsad reiterates DepEd Bicol’s commitment to support the Vaccination Program but with strict compliance to health protocols and DepEd policies.
During the ExeCom Meeting with Secretary Leonor M. Briones last March 10, 2021 , it was clarified that DepEd’s position on the use of school facilities remains the same:
- Existing policies with regard to the use of DepEd facilities still apply to vaccination centers.
- Not all DepEd facilities can comply with the DOH and IATF requirements for a vaccination center- Thus, the opinion an assessment of DOH must first be sought on the suitability of a facility as a vaccination center
- In cases where there are already other health-related projects in a school, a vaccination center need not be put up anymore because of the risks involved. In other words, health-related activities should not be mixed with other activities in the same school facility.
Prior to this, Secretary Briones has already stated early on that teachers or DepEd personnel will not be allowed to administer the vaccine because of lack of proper training but can help and contribute in the information campaign about the program.