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Iloilo battling misinformation to boost immunization vs measles, rubella

Philippines | Visayas

Iloilo battling misinformation to boost immunization vs measles, rubella

By Tara Yap

A child is immunized against measles and rubella in San Joaquin, Iloilo. (Iloilo PHO)

A child is immunized against measles and rubella in San Joaquin, Iloilo. (Iloilo PHO)

ILOILO CITY—The Province of Iloilo is fighting misinformation among parents and guardians to boost the immunization progam against measles and rubella (MR), which the Department of Health (DOH) is once again pushing.

“Let’s not demonize immunization,” urged Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr.

Defensor described immunization as “hulog ng langit (heaven-sent) to allay fears of parents over immunization.

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) considers misinformation as a challenge as it tries to reach its target of 172,360 children to be immunized for MR, which is specifically for children below 5-years-old against measles and rubella (MR).

Iloilo PHO Chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon reiterated that parents should see the bigger picture as immunization protects their children's future from MR. She urged parents to choose facts and science over fear-mongering.

As of August 13, the immunization coverage went up to 27.39 percent in 42 towns and the component city of Passi.

Among the top 10 local governments that implemented the MR immunization are Miag-ao, City of Passi, Guimbal, Alimodian, New Lucena, San Dionisio, Pototan, Mina, Santa Barbara, and Balasan.

Related Tags

Iloilo measles vaccination RUBELLA

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