Only 13.9% get measles jab: Low turnout hits vax drive

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) has intensified its measles-rubella vaccination campaign after only 87,738 of the 630,214 children targeted in the region had been vaccinated as of Tuesday, August 18.

Based on DOH Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) data, the figure represents only 13.92 percent of the target.

The accomplishment remains far below the DOH’s goal of at least 95 percent vaccination coverage, prompting the agency to expand vaccination sites and strengthen information campaigns to reach more eligible children before the activity ends on August 28.

Health Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado, during his visit to the MR-SIA at the Barangay Banilad Daycare Center in Mandaue City on Tuesday, called for the establishment of more vaccination sites outside health centers to make immunization more accessible to families.

Mercado also emphasized the need to strengthen information and education campaigns in communities to address misinformation and concerns about vaccination.

Doctors from the DOH, together with personnel from city and municipal health offices, are expected to conduct house-to-house information activities to answer parents’ questions and provide accurate information about the immunization program.

The DOH is also encouraging local governments to conduct vaccination activities in malls and other community venues to accommodate parents who may not be able to bring their children to health centers or daycare centers.

Cebu Province health consultant Dr. Ellise Nicole Catalan said the low vaccination uptake in Central Visayas requires a concerted effort among national government agencies, local government units, health workers, barangays and families to reach every eligible child.

Catalan said the provincial government had already established its coordination and monitoring mechanism ahead of the campaign after Gov. Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 40 on July 15 creating the Provincial Immunization Task Force.

Through the task force, the provincial government is monitoring vaccination coverage in component cities and municipalities and exploring practical incentives for LGUs that improve their immunization rates.

The task force is also providing support to communities that need assistance in reaching more eligible children.

Catalan said the measles-rubella vaccine is free for children aged 6 to 59 months.

She encouraged parents and guardians to bring their children to the nearest health center or vaccination site, or coordinate with barangay health workers to learn the vaccination schedule in their communities.

Catalan also urged parents to consult barangay health workers, midwives, nurses or doctors regarding questions and concerns about the vaccine and its possible effects.

In a separate interview, Dr. Van Philip Baton, head of the DOH-7 Local and Health Support Division, urged parents to take advantage of the ongoing vaccination activities in their communities.

Baton clarified that the vaccine being administered under the supplemental activity is not a new vaccine but the same measles-rubella vaccine included in the government’s regular immunization program.

“This is the same vaccine that we provide for regular immunization schedule,” Baton said, explaining that the difference is that the additional dose is administered outside the regular vaccination schedule.

He said the supplemental dose is intended to provide children with additional immunity and protection against measles and rubella.

Baton also dismissed claims circulating on social media that the vaccination campaign is connected to family planning or efforts to reduce the number of children in families.

“We are not, even or anything, sa programa sa contraception,” he said, stressing that the activity is focused solely on protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

He urged parents to base their decisions on accurate information and consult health professionals rather than rely on unverified claims online.

Baton also addressed reports alleging deaths linked to the vaccination activities, saying the DOH has not observed an unusual increase in deaths in the country that would support such claims.

“So far, we have not seen a big increase in deaths,” Baton said.

He encouraged parents with questions or concerns to approach barangay health workers, doctors, nurses, midwives and local health offices for clarification.

The MR-SIA, which started on August 10, targets children aged 6 months to 59 months across Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, including the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

DOH-7 earlier set a target of at least 95 percent vaccination coverage to help prevent outbreaks of measles and rubella.

According to DOH, measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, particularly among young children.

Children vaccinated during the campaign also receive Vitamin A supplementation as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen their protection and reduce the risk of complications.

The DOH-7 and the Cebu provincial government continue to urge parents and guardians to bring eligible children to vaccination sites and seek information directly from health authorities amid the continued spread of conflicting claims about vaccination on social media. — /FPL (FREEMAN)