DOH urges parents to get children immunized vs vaccine-preventable diseases

The Department of Health (DOH) encouraged parents to get their children immunized against various vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and polio.
The DOH urged parents to coordinate with their respective local health centers for the schedule of the immunization activities.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic impeding routine immunization, the coverage of Fully Immunized Children (FIC) has decreased significantly in 2020, only having 65.2 percent coverage - an accomplishment 3.9 percent lower than 2019. At this rate, 2021 FIC may potentially have an even lower coverage if left unaddressed,” the DOH said.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reiterated that these vaccines are safe and effective.
"Providing a better future for children also entails keeping them healthy and protecting them from various illnesses. One measure is through vaccination which is proven safe and effective and has saved countless lives," said Duque in a statement.
"We encourage parents to actively learn about vaccines and coordinate with your barangay health centers or patak centers so you can have your children vaccinated. Let us protect our children against vaccine-preventable diseases and provide them the opportunity to grow into healthy individuals," he added.