MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) is confident that it can cover almost 100 percent of the 18 million children targeted to be vaccinated against measles and German measles or rubella.
Dr. Ed Janairo, director of the DOH’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, said the “bakunadors” or vaccination teams were able to reach out to some 60 percent of the target on the second week of the campaign.
“There is a (lull) on the third week because of the Holy Week because many people are out of their homes. But after the Lent, we will go full blast again,” he told The STAR.
The DOH began the month-long vaccination program last April 4 for children who have not been immunized against measles and rubella during the routine vaccination program in barangay health centers and government hospitals.
The DOH intends to vaccinate some 18 million children from nine months and eight years old.
Janairo said after the Holy Week, they would assess the program to be able to make some adjustments to achieve its goal.
“We will be tapping the military and the private sector to reach far-flung areas. We may have to use military trucks or choppers to go to these areas. We are confident that we can cover some 95 percent of our targets,” he said.
Janairo added there has been no problem in areas infested by New People’s Army and Muslim rebels so they are hopeful of high coverage.
“We urge parents and guardians of children to let them be vaccinated because that would be for their own benefit,” he said.