VACCINATION CAMPAIGN. A child in Ilocos Region receives a measles-rubella vaccine in this undated photo as part of the immunization campaign of the Department of Health to prevent future outbreaks. In Ilocos Region, a total of 573,369 children aged 0-59 months old were inoculated but the campaign is extended until June 15 for areas with lower than 90 percent of the target population accomplishment. (Photo courtesy of DOH-CHD-1)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan–The Department of Health Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) reported that 573,369 children in the region have received measles-rubella and polio vaccines as of June 1 or 86 percent of the target population, prompting the extension of the immunization drive campaign until June 15.
Of the total, 416,762 received measles-rubella vaccine and 156,607 for oral polio vaccine, based on the data obtained by the Philippine News Agency on Friday.
The DOH-CHD-1 reported that 40,573 in Ilocos Norte; 46,330 in Ilocos Sur; 58,975 in La Union; 256,615 in Pangasinan; and 14,269 in Dagupan City, which is a chartered city of Pangasinan province, were inoculated against measles-rubella.
Ilocos Sur reached 100 percent of its target population while Dagupan City has a 96-percent completion so far.
On the other hand, Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan are at 86 percent, 72 percent, and 87 percent of their target population, respectively.
For oral polio accomplishment, 12,385 children in Ilocos Norte; 8,993 in Ilocos Sur;19,894 in La Union, 99,507 in Pangasinan; and 15,828 in Dagupan City have been immunized.
The numbers accounted for Ilocos Norte reaching 93 percent of its target population, 97 percent for Ilocos Sur, 73 percent for La Union, 80 percent for Pangasinan, and 94 percent for Dagupan City.
In an advisory issued Thursday, DOH-CHD-1 director Paula Paz Sydiongco said the campaign for measles, rubella, and oral polio vaccines immunization campaign in areas below 90 percent coverage in the region will be extended until June 15.
“The extension period will give ample time to complete intensive mop-up activities and Rapid Convenience Monitoring, ensuring there is no missed child,” she said.
Sydiongco also stated recommendations to achieve the 95 percent of the target population.
These include the identification of villages or purok (sub-villages) with high number of deferrals, refusals, and children to be vaccinated as well as to intensify the last- mile social mobilization, led by the local chief executives, village captains, and other local officials.
“Encourage vaccination during weekends, where parents are most available. Discuss flexible working hours for vaccination teams to capture working parents or guardians,” she said.
Sydiongco said there will also be a provision of incentives and recognition of top-performing local government units and villages.
“We commend the hard work and dedication of our implementing units and partners to reach all infants and children despite the challenges encountered during the campaign,” she said.
"We commend the hard work and dedication of our implementing units and partners to reach all infants and children despite the challenges encountered during the campaign," she said.
The Measles Rubella and bivalent Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Supplementary Immunization Activities or “Chikiting Ligtas 2023” headed by the Department of Health ran for the entire May.
Eligible children for the vaccination campaign are aged 0 to 59 months. (PNA)
