(Infographic courtesy of DOH-5)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) has urged local government units (LGUs) to reinforce the implementation of its supplemental immunization activity (SIA) for measles-rubella and oral polio vaccination (MR-OPV) that is being conducted this month.
In a statement, Dr. Ernie Vera, DOH-5 regional director, appealed to local officials and other stakeholders to strengthen their participation in the MR-OPV by sharing the right knowledge and awareness about the importance of protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
"Base sa partial unofficial quick count noong May 12, 2023, 9 a.m., naitalang 48.83 percent pa lamang ng target population ang nabakunahan ng measles-rubella (MR) vaccine sa Kabikolan matapos ang walong araw ng pagbabakuna. Ipinapahayag ng Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) ang pagkabahala sa mababang accomplishment ng Measles-Rubella Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR OPV SIA) sa buong Kabikolan (Based on the partial unofficial quick count as of May 12, 2023, 9 a.m., it was recorded that only 48.83 percent of the target population was vaccinated with the easles-rubella (MR) vaccine in Bicol region after eight days of vaccination. The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) expresses concern over the low accomplishment of the Measles-Rubella Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR OPV SIA) throughout the region)," Vera said.
DOH-5 aims to vaccinate 85 percent of the target population in the first 10 days of the immunization activity.
Meanwhile, the agency recognized the efforts of all LGUs and other stakeholders for the MR OPV SIA, particularly the health workers for tirelessly working at the health centers and households, rain or shine.
Vera called on parents and guardians to have their children aged 9-59 months be vaccinated against measles and rubella, and those 0-59 months against polio.
"The vaccine is free, effective, and has been proven safe by science and long-term studies by health experts. It protects children against contagious and deadly diseases like measles, rubella, and polio. Just visit the nearest health center for the vaccination schedule," he said.
DOH-5 is targeting to vaccinate some 1.4 million kids or 95 percent of eligible children in the region aged zero months to 59 months. (PNA)
