ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) targets to cover 597,626 children in Western Visayas in its measles-rubella and oral polio vaccine supplemental immunization program.
“In Phase 1, there will be 339,183 children that need to be covered,” said DOH Region 6 child health team leader Dr. Mary Jane Roches Juanico, adding that there will be two phases.
Phase 1 will begin today until Nov. 23 in 25 localities that are considered “priority areas.”
“All infants and children aged six to 59 months old shall be given one dose of measles containing vaccine and one dose of oral polio vaccine, regardless of their vaccination status,” Juanico added.
She said the primary vaccination strategy shall be door-to-door or a modified door-to-door approach.
Phase 2 will be conducted in the first and second quarters of 2019 – covering 258,443 children in 42 selected localities.
Juanico assured the public that all vaccines are pre-qualified by the World Health Organization and are safe and effective.
“Children shall undergo a quick health screening prior to vaccination,” she said.
She added that DOH Region 6 is seeking the full support and active cooperation of the local chief executives, private doctors, parents and community members, media, and public representatives in this campaign. (With PIA/PN)
