The Mandaluyong City local government conducted an anti-chickenpox vaccination program as part of its efforts in mitigating the number of chickenpox cases among the city's youth following the reopening of face-to-face classes.

Mandaluyong City Mayor Ben Abalos spearheaded the Varicella vaccination program, together with officials from the Mandaluyong City Medical Center (MCMC) Department of Pediatrics-City Nutrition Committee and the Ciara Marie Foundation which provided the vaccines.

Abalos said the vaccination for children aged 1-6 years old was held in Barangay Daang Bakal which is also an adoptive barangay of MCMC Department of Pediatrics.

He added that the city will expand its anti-chickenpox vaccination to other barangays in the coming days.

Chickenpox, also known as Varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV).

The disease results in a characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over. It usually starts on the chest, back, and face, and spreads to the rest of the body.

The rash and other symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, and headaches, usually last five to seven days.

Complications may occasionally include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and bacterial skin infections. The disease is usually more severe in adults than in children.

Chickenpox is an airborne disease which spreads easily from one person to another through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person.

In December of last year, pediatrician and Philippine Federation of Professional Associations (PFPA) Vice President Dr. Benito Atienza urged parents to ensure their childrens' safety from the diseases that they may acquire in school.

Atienza said they saw an increase in cases of dengue, chickenpox, hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and other respiratory infections among school children.

“Ang dapat natin pagtuunan ng pansin lalo na yong pumapasok sa mga eskwelahan ay yong pagdami ng hand, foot and mouth disease (We must focus on children who are going to school and the increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases)," Atienza said.

"Pinapaalalahanan natin na basta may rashes ang bata, dalhin na ninyo para makita ng doktor lalo na kung yong mga bata ay walang chickenpox vaccine, usong uso yan (We are urging everyone to please bring your children to the doctor once you observe rashes on their bodies, especially if they have not been given the chickenpox vaccine)," he added.