In a follow-up report on the measles mass vaccination campaign in the Philippines, Department of Health officials say they are extending the campaign until Oct. 10 in an effort to immunize children who missed getting vaccinated during the month-long campaign.

Image/govph
Image/govph

We are appealing to parents and caregivers who know that children aged 0-5 years old under their care have not received the vaccines to go to the nearest health center to have them immunized,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona said.

As of September 30, the country’s national coverage status reached 84% (or 99.6M) of the 11 million eligibles for MR and 81% (10.9M) of the 13 million eligibles for OPV.

Among the regions, the top achievers for both MR and OPV vaccinations are Caraga region with 91%, Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) with 90%, Region 11 (Davao) and Region 12 (SOCCKSARGEN) both with 87%, and Region 5 (Bicol) with 86%.

Fifty one percent of those who have not brought their children to vaccination posts claim that the mothers are busy.

“We are appealing to these mothers to give priority to vaccination. Nakamamatay kapag kulang ang bakuna. Magtulungan tayo upang protektahan ang buong sambayanang Pilipino. There are still pockets of areas where there are children who have not yet been vaccinated, therefore, we are urging the mothers and caregivers of these to have them vaccinated at the nearest health center even as we conduct mop up vaccinations,” the health chief concluded.