By Zorayda Tecson
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Some 1.27 million children in Central Luzon have been vaccinated since the start of the measles, rubella, and oral polio vaccine supplemental immunization last February 1.
The Department of Health in Central Luzon (DOH-3) said on Wednesday that of the 1,278,481 total of immunized children, 586,216 were vaccinated against measles and 692,265 against polio.
The turnout represents 60.56% of the target for measles-rubella vaccination and 61.10% of the bivalent oral polio inoculation.
DOH-3 regional director Cesar Cassion said they will continue their efforts to vaccinate at least 95% of eligible children in Central Luzon until February 28.
A total of 967,997 infants and children aged 9-59 months are targeted to be vaccinated with measles-rubella vaccine and 1,133,017 children aged 0-59 months with bivalent oral polio vaccine regardless of immunization status.
He said strict observance of minimum health standards is being implemented by all health workers. The infection prevention control measures include wearing of face masks, use of alcohol-based hand-rubs between children, temperature checks, physical distancing, and daily screening of health workers.
Cassion urged all parents and caregivers of children under 5 years old, including those with private physicians or pediatricians, to take part in the drive. “We encourage parents and caregivers to continuously support our campaign against rubella, measles, and polio. Bring your children to the health centers and vaccination posts on the scheduled dates regardless of whether they have been vaccinated before or not,” he said in a statement.
He emphasized that the vaccines were proven safe and effective. (PNA)