ROXAS CITY – More than 187,000 children in Capiz are targeted to be given vaccination against measles, rubella and polio.
In the month-long free mass immunization against measles, rubella and polio, this September, a total of 187,037 zero to below five years old including the nine month to five years old children in Capiz will be targeted in all health centers and health stations here.
Dr. Leah Del Rosario of the Provincial Health Office disclosed that of the total targeted kids, some 86,037 nine month old to below five years old children will be given free measles and rubella vaccines while the 101,000 children age zero to five years old will be given oral polio vaccine.
She said that the mass immunization campaign, which will be implemented nationwide from September 1 to 30, is part of the government’s effort, particularly the Department of Health, towards a polio-free country and eliminate measles and rubella.
Del Rosario said that the DOH had conducted the same mass immunization campaign in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2011, however, it was found out that still there were positive measles cases in the Philippines and even in Capiz in 2013.
“This means that there still a source of measles infection in the country which spread must be prevented through this massive nationwide immunization campaign,” she said.
According to Del Rosario, the giving of oral polio vaccine for the target children will also be a protection for them against imported polio virus.
She also stressed that regardless of the immunization status of the identified children, whether they have already completed their immunization or they received the same from private health practitioners, they must be given the said vaccine during the immunization activity next month.
“Measles is a contagious illness, which patient could be at risk through infection, “ Del Rosario said, adding that polio, on the other hand, affects the nerves and could lead to paralysis and results in permanent disability.
On the other hand, she urges the parents and other stakeholders to cooperate and support this activity for the welfare of the children. (JCM/Jemin B. Guillermo/PIA6-Capiz)
