Vaccine drive targets 445,000 kids

PALO, Leyte — The Department of Health (DoH) in Eastern Visayas will launch an intensified simultaneous Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity on Monday, targeting more than 445,000 children aged six to 59 months across the region.

The campaign, which will run from 10 to 28 August, aims to protect young children against measles and rubella while addressing Vitamin A deficiency, according to DoH Eastern Visayas regional director Exuperia Sabalberino.

“Measles and rubella are highly contagious, debilitating diseases that continue to pose a threat to our children, while Vitamin A deficiency is a threat to their health and growth,” Sabalberino said.

“By providing this dual protection, we aim to eliminate immunity gaps, prevent costly outbreaks, and give our children the health foundation they deserve,” she added.

DoH-8 records show that Leyte has the highest number of unvaccinated children among the six provinces and two independent cities in Eastern Visayas, with 152,055, followed by Samar with 80,304 and Northern Samar with 66,396.

Sabalberino said achieving high immunization coverage is essential to restoring herd immunity and preventing the spread of measles and rubella.

Chiradee Claridad, DoH-8 National Immunization program coordinator, said the campaign comes at a crucial time as the region continues to face low routine immunization coverage, leaving thousands of children vulnerable to measles and rubella.