DOH-10 launches immunization drive vs measles, rubella, polio in MisOcc

by Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon

Children are vaccinated against measles, rubella, and polio during the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) Supplemental Immunization Activities held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center, Capitol Drive, Oroquieta City, May 2, 2023. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)

The Department of Health (DOH)-10, in partnership with the Provincial Health Office in Misamis Occidental and other stakeholders, launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) and Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (OPV) Supplemental Immunization Activities with the theme " Chikiting Ligtas sa dagdag bakuna kontra polio, rubella at tigdas," held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center, Capitol Drive, Oroquieta City.

The campaign aims to vaccinate at least 95% of target children 0–59 months old for OPV and 9–59 months old for measles and rubella vaccines nationwide.

Center for Health and Development-Northern Mindanao Regulation Licencing and Enforcement Division Chief, Dr. Raymond Dela Cruz, said the vaccines are effective in stopping the spread of measles, rubella, and polio in communities, and vaccinating the children will protect them from these diseases.

"Measles, rubella, and polio are highly contagious and can be fatal. Measles and rubella can cause severe complications, while polio causes lifetime paralysis," Dela Cruz said.

Dela Cruz also emphasized that the Supplemental Immunization Campaign will prevent an outbreak of measles, rubella, and polio to protect children and communities.

"The country cannot afford to deal with another outbreak, especially at a time when the country is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly, no child should suffer or die from a disease that can be prevented by a vaccine that is available and free," he said.

In his message, Oroquieta City Mayor Lemuel Meyrick Acosta shared that the provincial government and local government units (LGUs) in Misamis Occidental stand in solidarity to support the immunization program of the DOH.

He urged intensification of the educational campaign against measles, rubella, and polio.

"Mas importante ma-prevent nato ang mga diseases susama niini. Ang measles pwede ikamatay sa bata so then why do we have to risk. Polio isa ka patak lang so why do we have to risk nga mag suffer ang bata ug dili siya ka lakaw for the rest of his life?" he added.

(It is more important that we can prevent diseases like this. Measles can kill a child, so why do we have to take the risk? Polio is just a drop, so why do we have to risk that the child will suffer and will not walk for the rest of his life?)

During the ceremonial vaccination, 30 children accompanied by their mothers received measles, rubella, and oral polio vaccines. After the vaccination, they get snacks, ice cream, and a kiddie meal.

The kick-off activity enjoins the participation and support of the local government units (LGUs) and various stakeholders, utilizing the whole-of-society approach to ensure the success of the campaign.

The campaign is in observance of World Immunization Week and will run until May 31.