THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported that the Ilocos Region has fallen short of the goal to inoculate 95 percent of their target children against measles, rubella, and polio.
In a statement, the DOH — Ilocos Region said they were able to only reach 91 percent of the vaccination coverage for the measles-rubella (MR) and 85 percent coverage for the oral polio vaccine (OPV).
“There are a total of 378,396 out of the 416,762 target children, who received MR vaccination,” said DOH – Region 1 Director Paula Paz Sydiongco.
“Our count also showed that 162,687 out of the 190,603 children in priority areas received their OPV vaccines,” she added.
The DOH had earlier set a target of 95 percent for the nationwide campaign to vaccinate children against measles, rubella, and polio.
Despite this, the DOH official expressed confidence that the region is now closer to preventing a measles outbreak and the re-emergence of polio.
“We can safely say that we have close the immunization gap and prevent measles outbreak and re-circulation of poliovirus in the region,” Sydiongco said, adding that those who were not able to have their children vaccinated may still do so through their local health centers.
“We will continue to strengthen the routine immunization in all areas and ensure continuous provision of immunization services through our fixed sites,” she said.
To recall, the DOH held a nationwide mass vaccination drive against measles, rubella, and polio from May 1 to June 15.
