A practical tool for parents, schools, and health providers unveiled during Adolescent Immunization Month
In a move to empower families and improve adolescent health outcomes, the Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines, Inc. (SAMPI) officially launched the Teen Vax Record Booklet, a simple but powerful tool to help parents and teens keep track of vaccination schedules and ensure consistent protection during the critical years of adolescence.
Unveiled during the forum “Uniting Voices for Adolescent Health,” the booklet bannered SAMPI’s call for stronger preventive care, timely immunization, and cross-sector collaboration to support adolescent wellness. The event brought together healthcare professionals, educators, and parent advocates as part of the nationwide celebration of Adolescent Immunization Month.
“This booklet is one of the ways we can turn awareness into action,” said Dr. Michelle Anne Noblejas-Mangubat, President of SAMPI. “We hope families use it as a springboard for conversations and appointments that will keep our teens healthy and protected.”
From awareness to action: A call to collaboration
Keynote speaker Dr. Ma. Emma Alesna-Llanto of the UP Philippine General Hospital stressed that adolescence is a second window of opportunity for disease prevention. “Teens are often overlooked in healthcare, but they make up 40% of our population,” she noted. “They are not a burden—they are our future.”
She highlighted the long-term value of investing in adolescent health, both in lives saved and in economic gains. “Many adult illnesses can be traced to risk factors developed during the teenage years. Addressing them early makes all the difference.”
Elevating teen checkups and timely vaccination
In her session “From Forgotten to Forefront,” Dr. Vanessa-Maria Torres-Ticzon, President of the Philippine Society for Adolescent Medicine Specialists, emphasized the importance of reframing adolescent healthcare as an essential part of pediatric practice.
“There are many missed opportunities. Parents may think their teens are done with vaccines. But immunity can wane, and teens are more vulnerable to certain infections,” she said. “We need to integrate comprehensive wellness visits that include vaccines, risk screening, and safe conversations.”
She pointed out how the Teen Vax Record Booklet can support this effort by giving families and providers a tangible reference point. “It’s a simple but effective tool to remind everyone, teens included, that protection doesn’t stop after childhood.”
Immunization as a foundation of prevention
Experts reaffirmed that vaccines such as HPV, hepatitis B, MMR, meningococcal, varicella, and influenza play a key role in protecting adolescents from serious, often preventable diseases.
“Vaccinated teens protect not only themselves but also those around them,” said Dr. Llanto. “With tools like the Teen Vax Record Booklet, we make it easier for families to stay on top of their health responsibilities.”
The Teen Vax Record Booklet is now available through pediatric clinics and can be requested by parents during their child’s next check-up. It serves as both a vaccine tracker and a conversation starter, helping families and doctors work together toward timely, complete protection.
Everyday advocacy: What families and schools can do
The forum also called on parents, schools, and pediatricians to take practical steps today, whether it’s talking to other parents, checking school health records, or using each clinic visit to recommend needed vaccines.
“We want adolescent health to be visible, prioritized, and consistent,” said Dr. Ticzon. “Let’s not stop protecting our kids just because they’ve grown.”
Toward healthier futures for Filipino teens
The event closed with a shared commitment: to ensure that no teen is left behind in health and protection. SAMPI vowed to continue advocating for adolescent wellness by promoting prevention, mental well-being, good nutrition, and access to life-saving vaccines.
With the launch of the Teen Vax Record Booklet, that mission becomes more actionable, for every home, school, and health facility ready to champion the future of Filipino youth. ###
