More than 22,000 children vaccinated for anti-polio

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 22,029 children benefitted from the Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio conducted by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Monday.

Some 100,000 children aged one to five years were targeted in the second round of vaccination from Nov. 25 to Dec. 7, according to PRC chairman Richard Gordon.

During the first day of vaccination, 11,290 children from Metro Manila availed themselves of the program.

“Children being the most vulnerable in our society need utmost care and protection, especially when it comes to their health. PRC aims to have 100,000 children vaccinated against polio,” said Gordon.

A total of 1,113 volunteers and 73 staff were mobilized for this anti-polio project, including  633 in Metro Manila and 480 in Mindanao.

The volunteers were divided into teams composed of a team leader, vaccinator, recorder and health educator.

The PRC, through its vaccination teams, will ensure that eligible children get their anti-polio drops and mothers understand the oral vaccine administered to their children. 

The parents and guardians were briefed on health and hygiene and the importance of adhering to all government required child vaccination programs.

Around 4.4 million children aged five years and below need to be vaccinated. These include 1.3 million in Metro Manila and 3.1 million in Mindanao.