Metro Manila infant vaccination hits 83% amid national push

Parañaque City has achieved a 99 percent childhood immunization rate, leading Metro Manila in efforts to protect infants from preventable diseases, according to the latest government health data.

Data from the Department of Health’s (DoH) Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) shows that as of December 2025, the overall coverage for fully immunized children in the National Capital Region reached 83.11 percent.

The report found that 237,522 out of 285,798 infants aged 12 months or younger across the region completed their routine vaccinations.

The regional figures represent a significant improvement over previous national trends. Last year, only 61 percent of eligible children nationwide — about 1.46 million out of 2.39 million — were considered fully immunized.

While Parañaque emerged as the regional leader, other cities also posted high marks. Quezon City recorded a 96.93 percent coverage rate, followed by Pasig (96.47 percent), Mandaluyong (96.37 percent), Makati (95.72 percent), and Navotas (95.58 percent).

The FHSIS report credited these high-performing cities with implementing strong local health systems and effective awareness campaigns at the barangay level. Manila, the region’s most populous city, recorded a 90.10 percent coverage rate.

However, health officials expressed concern over several local government units that lagged significantly behind the regional average. Marikina recorded the lowest coverage at 34.18 percent, followed by Muntinlupa at 50.26 percent and San Juan at 54 percent.

Other cities below the target included Malabon (56.96 percent), Taguig (70 percent), Valenzuela (71.15 percent) and Pateros (71.66 percent).

“While certain LGUs are above the regional average coverage, others remain critically below target, underscoring the need for intensified and targeted interventions,” the FHSIS report stated.