THE Department of Health is extending its measles-rubella (MR) and oral polio vaccine (OPV) immunization drive up to June 15.
In an announcement late Wednesday, the DOH announced that the “Chikiting Ligtas 2023” campaign, initially set to end May 31, will be extended for two more weeks.
“The campaign is extended to ensure manpower complementation for the local government units will be sustained and social mobilization shall be ramped up,” said the DOH.
“We need to ensure that all other targeted unvaccinated children will be vaccinated,” it added.
Data released by the department showed that as of May 30, 7,541,867 kids aged 9 to 59 months old have been given MR shots, 77.72 percent of the 9.5 million targeted eligible children for the MR vaccines.
On the other hand, the DOH said there were 2,188,891 children aged up to 59 months old that were able to receive OPVs, 67.87 percent of the over 3.2 million targeted children eligible to get OPVs.
The DOH had set a target of 95 percent for the vaccination of children against measles, rubella, and polio.
With the immunization drive having been extended, the DOH is renewing its call to the public to have their children jabbed against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Head to the nearest health center and vaccination sites and make sure that our children are safe from measles, rubella, and polio,” said the DOH.
