Ilocos region: A total of 186,376 children in the Ilocos Region have been immunized against measles and rubella as of August 23, according to the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH-1).

According to Philippines News Agency, the vaccination campaign includes 25,184 children aged 6 to 12 months, 34,733 children aged 13 to 23 months, and 126,459 children aged 24 to 59 months. The overall vaccination rate for the entire region stands at 41.9 percent.

In terms of vaccination coverage, Ilocos Norte has achieved a rate of 74.9 percent with 31,941 children vaccinated, Ilocos Sur has reached 64.1 percent with 31,218 children, La Union has a rate of 49.2 percent with 30,761 children, Pangasinan has a rate of 31.8 percent with 87,497 children, and Dagupan City has achieved a rate of 32.2 percent with 4,959 children vaccinated.

Three local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Norte have surpassed their 95 percent vaccination target. Carasi achieved a 100 percent vaccination rate, Currimao reached 96.5 percent, and Dingras attained a 95.6 percent rate.

DOH-1 Director Helen Tobias expressed her gratitude in a statement on Tuesday, thanking the LGUs, frontline healthcare workers, and community volunteers for their contribution to achieving the 95 percent vaccination target. "A heartfelt salute and thanks to the health workers! Despite heavy rainfall, flooding, and travel challenges, you persevered to deliver the Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity and Vitamin A Supplementation to the communities," she said.

Director Tobias also urged parents and guardians of children aged 6 to 59 months to ensure their children receive vaccination, emphasizing the safety, effectiveness, and free access to the vaccines. Parents and guardians of unvaccinated children are encouraged to visit their local health units or designated vaccination sites before the campaign concludes on August 28.