GenSan set for massive measles, rubella immunization drive

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city government is all set for the month-long supplemental immunization campaign for measles and rubella that will start on Wednesday, May 9.

Dr. Rochelle Oco, head of the City Health Office (CHO), said Friday their vaccination teams will conduct the massive immunization drive in all of the city's 26 barangays.

Oco said the immunization activity, which will run until June 8, will involve children aged five years-old and below who were not vaccinated in the last four weeks.

"We will conduct house-to-house visits if necessary to ensure that all eligible children will be covered," she said.

Oco said the city was chosen by the Department of Health (DOH) as site for the launching in Mindanao of the nationwide immunization drive.

She said DOH Secretary Francisco Duque and other officials have confirmed to attend the activity, which will kick off with a motorcade to help drum up support and participation from local residents.

The official urged parents and caregivers to allow their children to undergo vaccination for measles and rubella, which is also known as German measles, to provide them with immunity against infections.

She said the viral diseases could trigger complications like pneumonia and encephalitis that could lead to deaths.

These diseases could also affect adults but noted that children and infants are more vulnerable to infections and possible complications, she said.

Since January, CHO's epidemiology and surveillance unit already recorded a total of 44 suspected measles cases, placing the city in the alert threshold based on its five-year data. (PNA)