Manila: The Department of Health in the Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) has successfully vaccinated 200,455 children aged six to 59 months against measles and rubella as part of a supplemental immunization campaign, an official announced. The campaign, which has now concluded, will not be extended further.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-NIR Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos reported that the vaccinated children account for approximately 45 percent of the region's target for the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA). Ramos pointed to misinformation circulating on social media regarding the vaccine's safety as a major factor contributing to the low turnout.
Ramos expressed regret that many mothers and guardians were swayed by false information despite the department's efforts to assure the public of the vaccine's safety. Additionally, Ramos noted that some parents reported their children were unwell during the immunization period but did not follow up with vaccination once they recovered.
The DOH plans to continue offering routine measles vaccinations through government health facilities, emphasizing the important role of local government units (LGUs) in ensuring eligible children receive immunizations. The Ligtas Tigdas supplemental immunization campaign officially concluded on September 4.
Data from DOH-NIR indicated that Negros Occidental achieved the highest number of vaccinations among the three provinces, with 140,237 children receiving the supplemental vaccine, covering 57.3 percent of the target population of 244,757. Bacolod City reported a 45.6 percent vaccination rate, immunizing 22,265 children out of a target of 48,839. In Siquijor, 2,054 children were vaccinated, representing 28.2 percent coverage. Negros Oriental recorded the lowest regional coverage at 26.3 percent, with 35,899 children vaccinated out of a target of 136,717.
The MR-SIA, initially conducted nationwide from August 10 to 28 in partnership with the World Health Organization, was extended until September 4 to allow more children to receive the measles-rubella vaccine and Vitamin A supplementation.
Source: Philippine News Agency
