Nearly 10,000 children, nine to 59 months old, from all barangays in Makati City are being targeted for vaccination against measles in one month as part of the national government's nationwide measles catch-up vaccination campaign that started on March 17, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said on Thursday, March 27.
Despite maintaining zero measles prevalence rate since last year, Binay said the city government remains vigilant in ensuring the health and wellness of its youth.
"This initiative reflects the city's data-driven approach to closing immunity gaps and preventing potential outbreaks," she said.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the National Capital Region (NCR) saw a 133 percent increase in measles cases from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15, 2025, compared to the previous year.
The mayor explained that although Makati is not included among the DOH's six priority areas of concern—which included Mandaluyong City, Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Taguig, and Las Piñas — the city is proactively participating in the nationwide initiative to maintain its strong health record.
"The vaccination drive specifically targets children who have not yet received two doses of the measles vaccine, which is essential for full protection against the disease. The activity complements Makati's regular year-round vaccination programs, which have contributed significantly to the city's strong immunization rates," she noted.
Makati City has established a strong track record of successful immunization campaigns. Recently, the city conducted a School-Based Immunization (SBI) program from Oct. 11 to Nov. 27, 2024, administering Measles-Rubella (MR) and Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccines to Grade 1 and 7 students.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines were also administered to female Grade 4 students in public schools to protect them from cervical cancer.
“Our vaccination drives in Makati’s public schools have benefited both residents and non-residents, covering students residing in neighboring cities like Manila, Pasay, and Taguig. We aim to provide 100 percent protection to all our students regardless of their place of residence,” Binay said.
"Additionally, during the Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV-SIA) conducted from May 2 to June 15, 2023, Makati City exceeded DOH targets by vaccinating 47,574 children (100.22 percent) aged 9-59 months with the Measles-Rubella vaccine and 36,506 children (95.52 percent) aged 0-59 months with the Polio vaccine," she added.
Aside from the city's expanded house-to-house measles vaccination campaign, all 18 health centers of the city government would serve as fixed vaccination posts where parents can bring their children to receive the vaccine.
"No child in Makati should suffer from a preventable disease. I urge all parents and guardians to welcome our health workers when they visit your homes and to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure your children receive this crucial protection," the local chief executive stressed.