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Anti-polio immunization drive in Central Luzon resumes July 20

By Zorayda Tecson

July 1, 2020, 6:58 pm

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH-CLCHD) announced on Wednesday the resumption of the synchronized polio immunization campaign in the region.

Dubbed as “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio,” the drive is part of the national government’s effort to strengthen polio prevention in the country.

In coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund, the DOH-CLCHD will conduct the synchronized polio immunization for Round 1, Phase 1 from July 20 to August 2 in Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Angeles City and City of San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan.

For Round 1, Phase 2 from Aug. 3-16, included are the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Under Round 2 from Sept. 7-20, the whole of Central Luzon will be covered.

DOH Regional Director Cessar Cassion said the campaign aims to boost immunization against polio by giving doses of monovalent oral polio vaccine type 2 (mOPV2) to all children under five years of age, (0-59 months old), regardless of their immunization status.

To ensure interruption of polio virus transmission, Cassion said at least two successive rounds of Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio will be done, each with an aim of at least 95-percent coverage to ensure no child is left behind.

Cassion said the mOPV2 vaccine is pre-qualified by the WHO, safe, and with no concerns for overdosage.

“The synchronized polio vaccination campaign is one of the essential health services needed to be delivered promptly, especially in order to protect the population from poliovirus infection,” he said in a statement.

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis, the DOH official said the mass immunization campaign will push through with strict infection control precautions followed by all health workers and the community.

Wearing of masks, disinfection, temperature check, and physical distancing shall be implemented, he said.

Cassion likewise appealed for the participation of the parents/caregivers, health workers, barangay officials, and local government units for the implementation of a quality campaign to successfully end the polio outbreak.

The first positive case of polio in Central Luzon that was reported last Feb. 15 brought the total number of cases in the country to 17 since an outbreak was declared in September 2019.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease and its transmission. Sustained synchronized efforts of all must be ensured,” Cassion said. (PNA)

 

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