DOLE Calls on Private Sector to Support National Measles-Rubella Immunization Drive
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a formal appeal to private establishments across the Philippines, urging them to actively participate in the ongoing Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH).
Workplace Vaccination Initiatives Encouraged
In its recently released Labor Advisory No. 02-2026, DOLE emphasized that supporting this public health campaign can be integrated into companies' existing occupational safety and health programs or family welfare initiatives. The advisory specifically encourages employers to establish temporary vaccination posts within their business premises and utilize occupational health personnel as part of the vaccination teams.
"For this purpose, employers may establish temporary vaccination posts within their premises and use occupational health personnel as part of the vaccination team," stated the official DOLE advisory.
Coordination with Health Authorities
The labor department further advised companies to coordinate directly with the Department of Health or local government units to obtain specific schedules for the immunization activities. This coordination ensures that workplace vaccination efforts align with the broader national campaign timeline and resource allocation.
"Employers are encouraged to coordinate with the health department or the local government units on the schedule of immunization activities," the DOLE statement clarified.
Special Leave Provisions for Working Parents
Recognizing the challenges faced by working parents, DOLE issued specific guidelines regarding employee absences for vaccination purposes. The department called on all employers with employees who have children under five years old to grant excused absences when parents need to take their children for measles-rubella vaccination.
The advisory stated: "Employers are strongly encouraged to allow employees to be excused from work when they accompany their children for scheduled vaccinations, or when they must care for their children due to adverse effects or reactions to the vaccine on the day after vaccination."
Additionally, DOLE specified that employees may use their available leave credits during the MR-SIA period, subject to existing company policies or collective bargaining agreements that permit such arrangements.
Documentation Requirements
To ensure proper implementation of these provisions, DOLE indicated that concerned employees should present proof of vaccination upon resuming work after taking leave for immunization purposes. This documentation requirement helps maintain transparency while supporting the national public health objective.
The Department of Health–Davao Region officially launched the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity on January 19, 2026, at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, marking the beginning of this nationwide campaign to protect children from these vaccine-preventable diseases.
