Only 21% get MR vaccine

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health’s (DOH) Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) ended with only 21.7 percent of its target population in Central Visayas receiving the vaccine.

Based on the latest DOH report, only 137,042 of the 630,214 children targeted for vaccination had received the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine as of August 29, the final day of the campaign.

The activity, which ran from August 10 to 29, targeted children aged six to 59 months in Bohol and Cebu provinces and the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

The report showed that 493,172 children, or 78.3 percent of the target population, had yet to receive the MR vaccine.

Mandaue City posted the highest vaccination coverage at 29.1 percent, followed by Lapu-Lapu City at 27.4 percent, Bohol at 22.3 percent, Cebu Province at 20.9 percent and Cebu City at 18.4 percent.

DOH-7 said the MR vaccine provides additional protection against measles and rubella, which can cause serious complications, particularly among children.

The department also assured parents that vaccines are safe and effective and urged them to have their eligible children vaccinated.

Dr. Van Philip Baton, head of the DOH-7 Local Health Support Division, said local government units may extend the MR-SIA until September 4 to reach more eligible children before returning to the regular immunization program.

Baton also appealed to parents, including those hesitant about vaccination, to support the immunization campaign.

“Mag-ampo tang tanan labi na mga antivaxers nga walay outbreak,” Baton said.

Parents whose children experience any reaction after vaccination are advised to immediately visit or contact their health center or nearest health facility.

Meanwhile, the Dumanjug Municipal Health Office (MHO), in coordination with the DOH and Cebu Provincial Health Office (CPHO), is continuing its investigation into the death of a seven-month-old child who had received a measles-rubella (MR) vaccine.

As part of the fact-finding investigation, the Dumanjug MHO said it had ordered the collection and analysis of a water sample from the family’s household to help determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Records from the Dumanjug Primary Care Facility showed that the child was previously brought in for consultation on July 9 due to acute gastroenteritis without signs of dehydration. The child was treated and later recovered.

No other consultation was recorded at the health facility before the child was vaccinated on August 10.

Prior to vaccination, health education and assessment were conducted, including the taking of the child’s vital signs and temperature. The caregiver consented to the vaccination, and the MR vaccine was administered by a nurse. The caregiver was also given instructions on what to do in case of a post-vaccination reaction.

Based on information gathered during the initial fact-finding investigation, the child developed diarrhea and vomiting on August 23. It was also learned that the child was given Metronidazole through self-medication.

The symptoms persisted and were accompanied by fever on the morning of August 24, prompting the caregivers to seek medical attention.

Records and incident reports showed that the caregivers brought the child to the Dumanjug Primary Care Facility at around 2:40 p.m. on August 24. One caregiver reportedly asked at the registration area where to register for a check-up because the child had a fever.

They were directed to the triage area and advised to inform personnel there about the child’s condition. The caregivers then proceeded inside the facility, where a nurse conducted an initial assessment.

The Dumanjug MHO said the succeeding events, including the medical assistance provided, referral and transport of the child, are still being established.

On August 25, the Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit reported the case to the DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit as an Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) for proper investigation.

On August 27, representatives from the DOH, CPHO and Dumanjug MHO conducted a case investigation at the Dumanjug Primary Care Facility and visited the family for dialogue and further investigation.

Health authorities are also checking the condition of other children vaccinated during the same vaccination activity to determine whether similar symptoms or reactions were reported.

The child’s medical and vaccination records, incident reports and other information related to the case are also being reviewed.

The Dumanjug MHO emphasized that there are still no official findings establishing that the MR vaccine caused or contributed to the child’s death.

The office expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and acknowledged the questions and concerns raised by the community.

The public was urged to allow health authorities to complete the investigation and determine the facts while respecting the family’s grief and privacy.

The Dumanjug MHO said it would issue another update once new verified information or official findings become available. (CEBU NEWS)