The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) was established in 1976 to ensure that infants/children and mothers

have access to routinely recommended infant/childhood vaccines. Six vaccine-preventable diseases were initially
included in the EPI: tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles. In 1986, 21.3% “fully
immunized” children less than fourteen months of age based on the EPI Comprehensive Program review.

Min.
Min. Interval
Vaccine Age at No. of between
Dose Route Site 1stdose Doses Doses Reason

It is given
the
earliest
possible to
protect the
child from
BCG Right Birth or TB
(Bacillus deltoid anytime meningitis
Calmette- of the after and other
Guerin) 0.05ml ID arm birth 1 forms of
TB
infection.

Upper
DPT outer It reduces
(Diphtheria, portion the
Pertussis, of 6 chance
Tetanus) 0.5ml IM thigh weeks 3 4 weeks from
severe
pertussis.

The extent
of
protection
from polio
is
2 drops increased
OPV (Oral depending on if given
Polio manufacturer’s 6 earlier. It
Vaccine) instructions Oral Mouth weeks 3 4 weeks keeps the
Philippines
polio- free.

It reduces
6 weeks the
interval chance of
from being
1stdose infected
to and
2nd dose becoming
Upper and B a carrier;
outer weeks prevents
HBV portion interval an
(Hepatitis B of from individual
Vaccine) 0.5ml IM thigh At birth 3 2nddose from
to having
3rd dose liver
 cirrhosis
and liver
cancer.

At least
Outer 85% of
part of measles
the can be
upper 9 prevented
Measles 0.5ml SQ arm months 1 at this age

To eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus

Pregnant women are also the target of this program. Tetanus Toxoid (TT) is given not only to protect the mother from
tetanus during childbirth, but also to prevent the occurrence of neonatal tetanus.
TT (0.5ml) is given intramuscularly at the deltoid region of the upper arm. The following schedule for injection should
be followed to attain the ideal percentage of protection for both the mother and the infant

Percent
Vaccine Min. Age/ Interval Protected Duration Protection

As early as possible
TT1 during pregnancy

Infants: Protected from neonatal tetanus

TT2 At least 4 weeks later 80% Mother: 3 years protection

TT3 At least 6 weeks later 95%

Infant: Protected from neonatal
tetanusMother:5 years protection

TT4 At least 1 year later 99%

Infant: Protected from neonatal tetanus
Mother: 10 years protection

TT5 At least 1 year later 99%

Infant: Protected from neonatal tetanus
Mother: Lifetime immunity