Davao city: The Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) recorded 77,415 children in this city who have availed of the measles-rubella vaccine since February 1, the agency reported Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), which began on January 19, aims to protect over 500,000 children aged 6 to 59 months in the region. In Davao City, the DOH-11 reported a 46-percent vaccination coverage, leaving more than 81,000 children still unprotected against measles-rubella.

Among the provinces, Davao de Oro achieved 61 percent coverage with 46,099 children vaccinated, while Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur reported 57 percent (63,999 children) and 55 percent (37,086 children) coverage, respectively. Davao Occidental remains at 51 percent (18,043 children), while Davao Oriental leads with 71 percent (39,981 children) coverage.

DOH-11 urged parents to have their children vaccinated, noting that measles can lead to severe complications and hospitalization if left unchecked. The vaccination process starts with registration, followed by an interview with the doctor to evaluate the child's condition, before moving to the vaccination area.

Dr. Ellenietta Gamolo, DOH-11 officer-in-charge regional director, stated in a statement that measles and rubella continue to spread in communities because many children remain unvaccinated. She mentioned that immunization efforts are continuously ramped up to fight vaccine-preventable diseases.

Dr. Gamolo emphasized that these measles and rubella vaccines, like all other vaccines used in a child's routine immunization, have been proven safe and effective. She underscored that vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions, protecting individuals and communities from disease and saving millions of lives each year.