School Health Requirements Philippines 2026: Vaccines, Medical Certs, and What to Prepare

1Immunization Requirements for School Entry

Under RA 10152 (Mandatory Basic Immunization Act) and DepEd Order requirements, children entering Kindergarten and Grade 1 must present a completed immunization record with documentation of: BCG vaccine; three doses of Hepatitis B; three doses each of the DTP-HepB-Hib (Pentavalent) series; two doses of MMR; and completion of the OPV series. The Child Health and Immunization Record (yellow book) is the standard documentation. If doses were done at a barangay health center, request a certified summary from the health center nurse. Private school requirements often additionally include documented flu vaccine, varicella, and hepatitis A — check your specific school's enrollment requirements list. Missing doses can be completed at any barangay health center before enrollment.

2Medical Certificate and Physical Examination Requirements

DepEd requires a current physical examination certificate (good for one year) from a licensed physician for all students at enrollment and annually. Most pediatricians offer school physical examination packages. The certificate confirms your child's general health status, vision and hearing screening, and fitness for school activities. Some private schools additionally require: complete blood count (CBC) to screen for anemia; urinalysis; and stool examination for parasites. Chest X-rays are no longer routinely required for healthy children but may be requested for children with respiratory conditions. Schools near certain endemic areas may require additional screens — check the specific school's requirements list sent out in March-April each year.

3Annual School Health Requirements and Deworming Programs

Beyond enrollment, DepEd implements two annual school-based programs that benefit your child. School-based deworming: DOH and DepEd jointly administer free albendazole to all schoolchildren twice yearly — typically in January and July. Intestinal parasites are a major contributor to anemia and malnutrition in Filipino schoolchildren. School-based immunization: DOH administers free flu vaccine (Grade 1-4), measles-rubella catch-up, and HPV vaccine (Grade 4 girls) through school-based campaigns. Ensure your child's school has your updated emergency contact information and HMO details at enrollment — school nurses need these for injury and illness response during the school day.

Doctor's Perspective