Department of Health, UNICEF, and the Government of Japan launch digital immunization system for children in PH

UNICEF Philippines/2025 

The Government of Japan and UNICEF formally hand over the DigiVacc Immunization Suite to the Department of Health during a ceremonial launch held on 30 July 2025 at The Manila Hotel. Health workers and caregivers, representing DigiVacc users, join the event. From left to right: Dr. Justin Paul Roa, Ms. Farida Ebrahim, UNICEF Philippines Representative Ad Interim Mr. Edgard Donoso, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Minister Yokota Naobumi, DOH Assistant Secretary Gloria Balboa, DOH-DPCB Director Anna Marie Celina Garfin, BARMM Health Minister Kadil Jojo Sinolinding, Jr., Mary Joy Biwang, Kenith Talaboc and their child, Elia Kenzie Talaboc

MANILA - The Department of Health (DOH), with support from UNICEF and funding from the Government of Japan, has launched DigiVacc, a set of digital applications designed to replace paper-based immunization records of children. As a faster and more effective way of tracking immunization data, DigiVacc helps ensure that every child in the Philippines is fully immunized and protected against diseases.

Aligned with the DOH’s goal of digital transformation, DigiVacc is set to help address challenges in immunization data management, including inefficiencies in paper-based data recording, incomplete or delayed reports, limited data collection from private health facilities, gaps in tracking immunization visits, and finding children who missed out on vaccine doses. It addresses the problem of parents losing their child’s vaccination record, or health centers missing critical information when records are destroyed, or when health workers retire or resign.

With near real-time access to data, DigiVacc enables effective monitoring of children’s immunization coverage, helping detect trends and bottlenecks to strengthen service delivery and decision-making. It has two component applications to connect caregivers and health workers in a shared mission: to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases.

• VaccTrace, a provider-facing web service and mobile application helping health workers digitally record immunization services and track coverage within their designated area. It allows for faster monitoring of vaccination status, automatic report generation, and set-up of automated text reminders on mobile to caregivers. With offline functionality, health workers can record their immunization services even in areas without internet access.

• VaccCheck, a patient-facing mobile application enabling parents or caregivers to view and download their children’s immunization records anytime, anywhere. With features like progress tracking, digital access to recommended vaccine schedules, and reminders for upcoming or missed vaccinations, caregivers can make informed decisions and ensure their children stay protected.

"The COVID-19 pandemic was a harsh reminder of how critical real-time data is in saving lives. But it also opened doors for digital innovations to take root in our health systems. This innovation aligns with our broader health goals and supports key strategies for making immunization more accessible, such as Reach Every Purok and Periodic Intensified Routine Immunization. Let us harness technology not just to improve systems, but to improve lives. And let DigiVacc be the start of something greater: a future where every Filipino child is seen, protected, and given the chance to thrive—no matter who they are or where they live," said DOH Assistant Secretary Gloria J. Balboa.

"The Government of Japan remains steadfast in its support for digital transformation in the healthcare sector. We are proud to support this project and hopeful that it will help close the gaps in traditional immunization data collection, leading to better planning at both local and national levels. With easier immunization recording and tracking, I believe health workers, caregivers, and parents will be better equipped to make informed decisions and ensure children stay protected,” says Dr. Aoki Fumiko, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines First Secretary and Health Attache.

“All children have a right to health. With support from the Japan, UNICEF worked together with the DOH to design, develop, and deploy digital immunization tools that would address the concerns of healthcare workers on the ground to reach our immunization goals. Vaccinated children perform better at school, with economic benefits that ripple across their communities and advancing national welfare,” said Edgar Donoso Paz, UNICEF Philippines Acting Representative.

DigiVacc will initially be deployed in 13 local government units across the Philippines. More information about the VaccTrace and VaccCheck, including download details, are available at www.digivacc.ph.