By Donna Rempillo SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Health in Region 3 (DOH-3) is encouraging parents to bring their children to health centers, and have them undergo routine immunization amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Photo by PIA Central Luzon/ MANILA BULLETIN “Every parent and caregiver must continue bringing their children, ages 0 to 12 months, and those with missed doses of vaccinations to the nearest health center for routine immunization services while following the national and local guidelines on COVID-19 preventive measures,” DOH Regional Director Cesar Cassion stressed in a statement. Immunization vaccine for children could avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Cassion cited a recent polio outbreak in Nueva Ecija, which was a very good example that showed the value of immunization in protecting communities and saving lives. “Outbreaks of Vaccine Preventable Diseases may further hamper communities and the health sector already battling the impacts of COVID-19, resulting in indirect morbidities and mortalities.” Cassion added Diseases with developed vaccines were measles, polio, rubella, and diphtheria. These vaccine preventable diseases will remain a constant threat if low coverage of routine immunizations remain. DOH called on everyone to ensure public health and safety by getting all essential health care services available in their areas with proper precautionary measures before and after leaving abodes. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease and its transmission, however, sustained synchronized efforts of all stakeholders is needed to guarantee every child is vaccinated; DOH cannot do it alone,” Cassion noted.