Over 14T children to get dengue vaccine in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - More than 14,000 children in Talisay City will benefit the anti-dengue vaccine to be given for free by the Department of Health.

The vaccination is expected to start either by the middle of August or first week of September.

Dr. Lino Alanzado, Talisay City health officer, said that school children aged 9 to 14 will get the vaccine shot. Alanzado said the vaccine will help prevent the dreaded mosquito-borne disease.

He, however, reminded the parents not to be complacent even if their children will get the vaccine because the possibility of being afflicted of the disease is always present.

"Naay possibility nga ma-dengue mao nga dili angay mokumpyansa pero at least dili kaayo fatal kay sa wala nabakunahan," he said.

The vaccine will be given in three doses within a period of six months.

Alanzado reminded the residents to keep their surroundings clean and cooperate with the dengue task force.

"Kana ilang attitude ba nga maghinlo ta, ang itubag kay maora man gihapon, dili gyud motabang sa dengue task force," he lamented.

Councilor Raul Cabañero, president of the Association of Barangay Councils, said he will call the attention of the barangay officials to take action against uncooperative residents.

He said that the barangay officials were instructed during a meeting with Mayor Eduardo Gullas to focus on the preventive measures.

Cabañero said the residents must be responsible enough to clean their surroundings.

"Ang kaso sa dengue pagpanglimpyo ra man. Kung asa ang hugaw naa didto ang dengue. Atong tugkaran, atong limpyohan, dili ta mo-participate nga biktima na ta," he said.

Talisay City ranked third in the highest number of dengue cases and sixth highest in mortality rate. It has 219 recorded dengue cases with six deaths since January until July this year. (FREEMAN)