BACOOR CITY, Cavite (PIA) — The Department of Health Center for Health Development – Calabarzon (DOH-CHD) has begun a ceremonial vaccination of children against measles, rubella, and polio ahead of the nationwide supplemental immunization drive next month.
The ‘Chikiting Ligtas sa Dagdag Bakuna Kontra Polio, Rubella, at Tigdas’ campaign kicked off on April 12 in Bacoor City where 100 children received the measles-rubella vaccine and the oral polio vaccine.
The DOH targets to increase routine immunization coverage against the diseases by vaccinating at least 95% of children aged 0 to five years in the Calabarzon region.
In a statement, DOH Calabarzon Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia said it is important for children to have access to routine immunization to protect them against these diseases.
“Ang measles ang isa sa mga pinaka nakakahawang sakit na nakakaapekto sa kalusugan ng mga bata. Kaya ang mga batang walang bakuna ang itinuturing na high risk sa measles na maaring magdulot ng seryosong komplikasyon na maaring mauwi pa sa kamatayan,” Valencia said.
“Kaya naman lubhang napakahalaga ng immunization laban sa sakit na ito na siyang nagbibigay proteksyon sa kanila at maging ang pagkalat pa nito sa mga komunidad,” the DOH Calabarzon chief added.
Citing the efficacy of vaccines, the DOH Calabarzon chief also urged parents to have their children immunized against measles, rubella, and polio which doubled during the first quarter of 2023.
Data from the DOH Calabarzon showed that 49 cases of measles and rubella were reported in the region equivalent to 213% increase compared to the same period last year with only 23 cases.
MR-OPV immunization coverage
The DOH cited that in 2021, immunization coverage worldwide dropped to 81% or one out of five children do not have access to essential vaccines through immunization services. In the same year, the Philippines was among the top 10 countries with the highest number of “zero doses” children globally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has worked on raising public awareness on the benefits of immunization ensuring that countries obtain the necessary guidance and technical support to implement high-quality immunization programs dedicated to making routine immunization services accessible to Filipino children.
The health department in the region said it will focus on catch-up and community-based immunization starting May 2 in partnership with various local government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders. Other ceremonial vaccination will take place in various cities and towns across Calabarzon prior to the nationwide drive.
Apart from house-to-house vaccination, the DOH Calabarzon is eyeing to set up immunization activities in rural health centers and strategic places like markets and plaza.
The DOH has also partnered with SM Malls and Walmart including the Philippine Pediatric Society- Southern Tagalog Chapter (PPS-STC) for the vaccination campaign. (PB/RBF/MCA with reports from DOH Calabarzon)
