Iloilo: The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported on Tuesday that 111,625 children, or 67.6% of the target, have been vaccinated under the measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity.

According to Philippines News Agency, IPHO head Maria Socorro Qui±on expressed gratitude to the parents and caregivers who participated in the vaccination campaign, emphasizing that their involvement indicates a substantial level of trust in the initiative aimed at safeguarding children's health. 'They chose not to listen to fake news, and they chose to support this undertaking,' Qui±on stated, highlighting the importance of combating misinformation.

The Department of Health had initially set a target of 172,360 children aged 6 months to 59 months for the immunization campaign within the province. However, actual provincial data revealed that there were 120,085 eligible children. Based on these figures, the vaccination coverage in the province stands at 92.02%, with 8,460 eligible children remaining unimmunized.

As of September 2, four municipalities in Iloilo had exceeded the 95% target set by the Department of Health: Guimbal achieved a 100.76% vaccination rate, San Enrique reached 99.86%, Miagao registered 96.99%, and Tigbauan recorded 96.19%. These achievements underscore the successful efforts in certain areas to surpass the projected goals.

Qui±on has called upon the parents of the unvaccinated children involved in the supplemental campaign to visit their local health centers, where vaccines continue to be readily available. The push aims to further increase vaccination coverage and ensure all eligible children receive protection against measles and rubella.

Across the broader region of Western Visayas, 252,944 eligible children, or 62% of the region's projected target of 408,114, have been vaccinated, as indicated by IPHO data. The campaign's progress highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance public health and the well-being of children across the region.