The Department of Health (DOH) said it is extending its vaccination activity for measles and polio until Sunday, March 7.
The DOH reported that as of March 1, a total of 4,269,423 children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella, while 3,939,677 children were given polio vaccines.
“With the extension of the immunization program and with more than 800,000 kids left unvaccinated in the target regions, the DOH continues to encourage all parents and legal guardians to have their zero to 59 month old children vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases under the MR-OPV SIA (Measles, Rubella, and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity),” the DOH said in a statement.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III assured that measles and polio vaccines are safe and effective.
“To our parents and guardians, let us retain our confidence in vaccines and put our trust in science. These vaccines are proven safe and effective. Let us protect our children and not deny them the opportunity to grow into healthy individuals, free from vaccine-preventable illnesses,” he said.
“Millions of children are saved every year from these diseases through vaccination. Thus, we call on our local government units to continue strengthening our vaccination programs and ensure maximum coverage under the MR-OPV SIA campaign,” he added.