The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday, Oct. 11, encouraged parents yet again to have their children immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and polio. 

The DOH is set to conduct a supplemental immunization campaign starting Oct. 26.

“While all of us rightfully remain vigilant about COVID-19, we have to be equally mindful as well when it comes to diseases like measles, rubella, and polio,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. 

“Our children need protection from these diseases, and this can be given through proper vaccination. We invite our parents to join this campaign to protect their families’ health,” he added. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that measles has a lot of complications and may lead to death. 

“Itong tigdas na ito nakakamatay. Yung complications ng measles ay nakakamatay, maaring magka pulmonya ang bata, maaring magkaroon ng walang patid na pagtatae, maari rin pong magkaroon ng mga ear infection,” she said. “Sana po yung mga nanay, tangkilikin po nila itong ating immunization program para makaiwas tayo sa mga ganitong sakit,” she added. 

(Measles is also deadly. The complications of measles are fatal, the child may have pneumonia, may have persistent diarrhea, may also have ear infections. I hope mothers will participate in our immunization campaign so that we can avoid such diseases.)

Vergeire said that an estimated 2.4 million children  under the age of five are susceptible for

measles.

Meanwhile, polio is a potentially debilitating disease that causes fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, and can eventually lead to lifelong paralysis.

During the government’s supplemental immunization campaign, children nine to 59 months old will be given measles and rubella vaccine, while zero to 59 months old will be provided with oral polio vaccine, the DOH said.

The DOH assured that the vaccines against measles and polio are already proven safe and effective. 

“At this most trying time, I urge parents and caregivers of children below five years old to bring their children to our health centers for vaccination. The measles, rubella, and polio vaccines are safe, effective, and free,” said Dr. Mario S. Baquilod, DOH-MIMAROPA Regional Director. 

“Furthermore, we assure everyone that all healthcare workers who will administer the vaccine will strictly adhere to COVID-19 safety protocol being implemented by the LGUs to ensure the safety of the community while the immunization is taking place,” he added.