DOH says no penalties for parents who refuse to vaccinate children

The Department of Health (DOH) has clarified that it is not considering penalties for parents who choose not to vaccinate their children, stressing that its approach remains focused on education and persuasion rather than punishment.

In a radio interview, DOH spokesperson Albert Francis Domingo said the idea of imposing minor sanctions on hesitant parents is not part of the agency’s plans.

"All of us doctors were scratching our heads. We have never thought of that and would never think of it," Domingo said in Filipino, referring to suggestions that parents who refuse vaccination could face penalties.

He explained that vaccine hesitancy is often rooted in questionable or outdated information, particularly concerns about safety. According to Domingo, many parents may be relying on sources that are either inaccurate or no longer updated.

"What we need to do is correct possible misinformation or, if it is not misinformation, address the concerns of our parents," he said in Filipino.

Domingo added that routine immunization for children usually begins as early as nine months old. However, during special campaigns such as the Measles-Rubella-Tetanus-Diphtheria drive conducted in Mindanao and set to be rolled out in Luzon, the recommended age may be lowered to six months to curb outbreaks.

He emphasized that while the State has a constitutional duty to protect public health, there is no mandate imposing penalties on parents who decline vaccination.

"The mandate is for the government because it is the duty of the State to safeguard the health of every citizen, but there is no mandate or penalty, and we have no plans to propose any punishment for anyone who refuses vaccination," Domingo said in Filipino. "Our mandate is to convince them to get vaccinated."

On concerns about a resurgence of vaccine scare, Domingo noted that recent data show the issue has eased. Instead of outright refusal, health authorities are seeing more cases of deferral, or delayed vaccination, among parents.

The DOH said it will continue strengthening public information campaigns to improve immunization coverage and prevent the return of vaccine-preventable diseases.