TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) is eyeing to inoculate 80 percent of the target population in the first two weeks of the immunization campaign against measles-rubella and polio in Eastern Visayas.
The month-long vaccination program in the region will start on Feb. 1, covering over 535,000 children between zero and nine-months and below five years old for measles-rubella and oral polio vaccines, respectively.
During a virtual presser Friday, Elaine Villarosa, DOH Eastern Visayas national immunization program manager, said the region is part of the second phase of the nationwide campaign including the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.
The first phase was in the Mindanao regions and some areas in Luzon, she added.
“The main purpose of the vaccination is to boost the immunity level of our children. We are calling the public especially parents and guardians to support this campaign. We are doing this step to prevent an impending outbreak over an existing pandemic and avoid further injury to the health care system which we are experiencing right now,” Villarosa said.
As part of its strategies to avoid overcrowding and ensure that health protocols against Covid-19 are properly observed, the DOH will conduct the activity in fixed and temporary vaccination posts.
Identified fixed posts in the region are health centers, while the temporary posts manned by mobile vaccination teams would be opened in school grounds, community centers, basketball courts, and other open spaces.
The DOH also assured the public that the vaccines used in the government’s immunization campaign against measles-rubella and polio are safe and effective.
“These vaccines are recommended by the World Health Organization and approved by the Food and Drugs Administration. They are proven and tested, have saved lives, and prevented further disabilities, so there is no reason for us to refuse,” Villarosa said.
The regional office also appealed to village officials to help them facilitate the activity. (PNA)
