DOH-7 steps up measles vaccination

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health-Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-7 CVCHD) is set to roll out a regionwide Supplemental Immunization Activity (SIA) against measles and rubella from August 10 to 28, aiming to vaccinate at least 95 percent of eligible children to prevent outbreaks of the highly contagious but vaccine-preventable diseases.

Speaking during the Kapihan sa PIA-7 forum on Wednesday, Dr. Faith R. Curaraton, Medical Officer III and Regional National Immunization Program (NIP) medical coordinator of DOH-7, said the campaign targets children aged six months to 59 months.

The regional kickoff will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on August 10 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall. Simultaneous vaccination activities will then be conducted in all local government units (LGUs) in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, including the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

Curaraton said measles and rubella are highly contagious diseases that can be prevented through timely vaccination.

She said measles typically begins with fever, cough, colds, red eyes and skin rashes, while rubella, also known as German measles, manifests with similar symptoms.

Although the illnesses may initially appear mild, she warned that measles can lead to life-threatening complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis or brain inflammation, malnutrition and even death, particularly among young children.

“Once a child gets measles, our biggest concern is the complications. It can progress to pneumonia or encephalitis, and if not treated promptly, it can be fatal,” Curaraton said.

Children vaccinated during the campaign will also receive Vitamin A supplementation to help strengthen immunity and reduce the risk of complications.

Curaraton said the supplemental immunization drive is more than a catch-up campaign, describing it as a preventive measure to address declining vaccination coverage that has left many children susceptible to infection.

“When immunization coverage declines, more children remain unprotected. We have even seen measles cases among adults, but children remain the most vulnerable,” she said.

She said the DOH has also recorded measles cases among adults and school-aged children this year. Investigations are underway to determine whether those infected had previously received the recommended vaccine doses.

Under the National Immunization Program, children routinely receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at nine months and again at 12 months. The supplemental campaign will provide an additional measles-rubella vaccine dose to children aged six to 59 months. Another booster will later be administered through the government's annual school-based immunization program to help sustain immunity.

Curaraton emphasized that measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it one of the world's most contagious diseases.

“If one child in a classroom of 100 gets measles, as many as 80 children could become infected the next day. Eventually, almost the entire class could be affected,” she said.

She also warned that infected adults may unknowingly transmit the virus to infants and young children. To minimize exposure to respiratory infections, including measles, she advised family members and visitors to avoid kissing newborns on the face.

Curaraton added that measles is not seasonal and may occur at any time of the year.

While the DOH-7 continues to monitor measles cases in the region, she declined to identify specific LGUs with higher case numbers to avoid causing unnecessary public alarm.

She explained that all suspected measles cases undergo validation before they are officially included in surveillance data. Once a Rural Health Unit or City Health Office detects a suspected case, health workers immediately conduct localized catch-up immunization in nearby communities while awaiting laboratory confirmation to prevent further transmission.

Curaraton assured parents that vaccine supplies are sufficient for the month-long campaign.

She said the DOH has provided LGUs with vaccination strategies to ensure eligible children are reached through Rural Health Units, barangay health stations and community outreach activities.

“We rely on our barangay health workers to inform parents and reach every purok. We really need to reach every child,” she said.

Vaccination schedules will vary depending on the strategy adopted by each LGU. Some local governments may hold vaccination activities in barangay health centers, schools, malls and other community venues, including weekends, to accommodate working parents.

Curaraton underscored the importance of support from local chief executives, barangay officials and community leaders in ensuring the campaign's success.

She thanked governors, mayors and other local officials who have pledged support for the immunization drive, saying their leadership is crucial in encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated and in assisting local health workers.

“We really need the support of our local chief executives because they are the ones who can encourage the communities and provide support to our rural health units,” she said.

Curaraton acknowledged that vaccine hesitancy, fueled by years of misinformation, remains one of the biggest obstacles to achieving high immunization coverage.

“The trust of some parents has been lost because of misinformation. That is one of the biggest challenges that the Department of Health is facing today,” she said.

To address misinformation, she said the DOH has partnered with the Philippine Pediatric Society, including its Cebu chapter, whose pediatricians continue to promote routine childhood immunization and reassure parents about vaccine safety.

The department has likewise intensified its information campaign through media interviews, press conferences and community engagements to provide accurate, science-based information on vaccination.

Curaraton stressed that the vaccines to be administered are the same safe and effective vaccines long included in the country's routine immunization program.

She also assured the public that only quality-assured vaccines are being used. While vaccines, like other medicines, have expiration dates, she said the doses for the campaign are newly supplied and procured by the national government from international manufacturers that comply with established quality standards.

Following the August 10-28 supplemental immunization activity, DOH-7 will implement its annual school-based immunization program after receiving clearance from the DOH Central Office.

Representatives from the DOH Central Office, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are also expected to monitor the implementation of the campaign in Central Visayas.

Curaraton expressed confidence that the region would achieve its 95-percent vaccination target and urged parents with questions or concerns to consult their nearest Rural Health Unit, City Health Office or barangay health center instead of relying on unverified information circulating online.

“Vaccination and immunization are not the responsibility of the child, but our responsibility as parents, guardians and members of the community,” she said.

She urged families to take advantage of the free vaccination campaign, stressing that immunization remains the most effective way to protect children against measles, rubella and their potentially life-threatening complications. — /FPL (FREEMAN)