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The Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging the public to prioritize immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases through its upcoming measles, rubella, and oral polio (MR-OPV) vaccine campaign that will take place on 26 from October to November 25 in various regions. The implementation of health protocols during this campaign is also designed to prevent any inadvertent transmission of COVID-19.
DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that protecting children from measles, polio and rubella are equally important during the COVID-19 era. He said: “We must be vigilant for other diseases that can affect some of our most vulnerable, such as infants and children, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first five years of the child are very formative for their health. The diseases against which we are vaccinating them can be very harmful and will affect their growth and maturity. That is why we urge parents not to take these conditions lightly, but to vaccinate their children as soon as possible. “
The vaccines used to counter measles, rubella, and polio have proven to be safe over the past decades. “No child should have to suffer for them, especially since vaccines are free,” said the DOH Secretary.
At the same time, Sec. Duque also assured the public, especially parents, that DOH is well aware of their safety concerns and will address them, saying, “We understand your fears of becoming infected with COVID-19 if you go to our clinics to vaccinate their children, “he explained.” But we have made a commitment to safety and the clinics will ensure that both health workers and patients follow health protocols. “
Bicol (Region V) and MIMAROPA (Region IVB) will be the first places for the implementation of the program due to the need for children in those areas to be vaccinated against the aforementioned diseases.
DOH is also setting the stage for the first phase of the campaign that will cover Regions I, II, IVB, V, the Cordillera Administrative Region and all of Mindanao. High-quality and safe measles and rubella (MR) vaccine and bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) will be distributed free of charge, following safety measures. Children ages 9 to 59 months will receive the MR vaccine, while children ages 0 to 59 months will receive bOPV.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which is dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families, also supported the immunization program, such as the purchase of 19.2M doses of MR vaccine and 10M doses of oral poliovirus vaccines (OPV). UNICEF consultants will also monitor that local government units (LGUs) have the resources and training necessary to be successful in the campaign.
Syringes, safety collection boxes, surgical masks and face shields will be assigned to the vaccination team and supervisors. Indelible inks to mark and report and record forms, which are essential to campaign operations, will also be deployed in different regions.
Second. Duque has requested public participation for the MR-OPV vaccination campaigns. He was enthusiastic: “We are grateful that many organizations are working together towards a common goal. With everyone working as one, we can make sure Filipinos are as healthy as possible. “
