Abby ramps up Makati’s measles catch-up program

Makati Mayor and senatorial candidate Abby Binay has mobilized the city’s health workers for the nationwide measles catch-up vaccination campaign that started on 17 March. The program targets nearly 10,000 children aged 9-59 months across all barangays within one month.

“While Makati has maintained zero measles prevalence rates since 2024, we remain vigilant in protecting our youngest Makatizens. This initiative reflects the city’s data-driven approach to closing immunity gaps and preventing potential outbreaks,” Mayor Abby said.

According to the Department of Health (DoH), Metro Manila saw a 133-percent increase in measles cases from 1 January to 15 February 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 include Mandaluyong, 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.

Makati City has established a strong track record of successful immunization campaigns. Recently, the city conducted a School-Based Immunization (SBI) program from 11 October to 27 November 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 against cervical cancer.