DOH extends immunization program

MANILA, Philippines - While it is satisfied with the results of the immunization campaign against measles, rubella and polio last month, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday extended the program until Oct. 10.

Health Undersecretary Janette Garin said they decided to extend the campaign because typhoons and floods prevented many children from getting vaccinated.

“Fifty-one percent of those who have not brought their children to vaccination centers claimed the mothers were busy while 10 percent said the child was sick. That’s OK, because when the child gets well, he can be vaccinated,” she said.

Five to seven percent said the children had been vaccinated in private clinics, while one percent cited religious concerns.

“What is worrisome for us is the 51 percent. We are appealing to all mothers. Life is precious – not having been vaccinated fully can kill. If the mother is not available, the father should take charge,” Garin said.

The DOH was targeting a vaccination rate of 95 percent to ensure “herd immunity” and prevent future outbreaks.

Records show that as of Sept. 30, the national vaccination rate for measles and rubella had reached 84 percent or 9.6 million of the 11 million targeted children. 

The vaccination rate for polio was 81 percent or 10.9 million of the 13 million targeted children.

Among the regions that posted the highest coverage rate are the Caraga with 91 percent; Zamboanga Peninsula, 90; Davao and SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos), both 87; and Bicol, 86 percent.

The highest performing provinces for measles and rubella immunization are Lanao del Sur, 112 percent; Agusan del Sur and Saranggani, 100, and Surigao del Sur and Nueva Vizcaya, 96 percent.

For polio, Lanao del Sur has 110 percent; Agusan del Sur, 98; Saranggani, 95; Surigao del Sur, 94; and Davao Oriental, 93 percent.

Among the top cities with high vaccination rates for measles and rubella are Cebu with 128 percent; Dapitan 119; Tandag, 117; Calamba, 107; and San Fernando City, 103 percent.

Cebu City again topped the anti-polio vaccination rate with 126 percent, followed by Tandag, 117; Dapitan, 107; Lapu-Lapu, 102, and Calamba, 101 percent.

Garin said the city of Manila, which posted only 19 percent coverage rate as of Sept. 20, managed to catch up and was dropped from the list of cities with lowest coverage.