ONE week after the launching of the “Chikiting Ligtas” immunization drive, 2.3 million children in the Philippines have been given immunization against measles-rubella (MR), even as only more than 800,000 kids have received oral polio vaccines (OPVs).
In a press conference, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said reports coming from the field show that 2.3 million kids 9-59 months have been jabbed for MR, while 829,165 children 0-59 months got OPVs.
The Department of Health is targeting 9,509,585 kids 9-59 months for MR vaccines, while 11,108,115 kids 0-59 months are being eyed for OPV.
Vergeire said they remain hopeful that they will be able to meet their target numbers of immunized children.
“Hopefully (we can meet the target). That is our appeal to the public. If we don’t reach the target, it is possible that the threat of outbreaks will continue,” said Vergeire.
“We are also asking for the help of local governments in vaccinating our eligible children.
This is the only way we can prevent further infection and outbreaks,” she added.
Vergeire said they are issuing the appeal as they have noticed numerous rainchecks in their house-to-house vaccination activity.
“We have observed that there are quite a number of deferrals in the households we go to.
Many reasons were given. But, hopefully, after one week, when we comeback, you will receive these vaccines,” said the health official.
She assured parents that the vaccines against polio, measles, and rubella are safe, effective, and free.
“This won’t cause adverse effects to the children. These will, on the contrary, provide them protection until they get older,” said Vergeire.
