By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
A Synchronized Polio Vaccination campaign began Monday in Lanao del Sur and other areas in Mindanao.
Lanao del Sur is where the first confirmed case of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2) was reported back in September.
The Synchronized Polio Vaccination campaign aims to boost immunization coverage against polio by giving three doses of the oral polio vaccine to all children five years old and below, regardless of their immunization status. Full vaccination against the poliovirus is the best way to prevent the transmission of the disease.
“We urge all parents and caregivers, health workers, and local government units to protect their children and communities against the poliovirus by participating in the synchronized vaccination in high-risk areas in Mindanao and in NCR,” Secretary Duque said. Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to completely vaccinate their children, following their routine immunization schedule.
Today marked the kick-off for the first round of vaccination in Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Davao del Sur, and Davao City. The campaign will be expanded to the whole of Mindanao on November 25, 2019, and will be concluded with the last round of vaccination on January 6, 2020. The National Capital Region also began its second round of vaccination today, with its last round scheduled on November 25, 2019.
Polio is a highly contagious disease transmitted through the fecal-oral route. It is caused by the poliovirus and may result in life-long paralysis and even death. But it is vaccine-preventable.
