Anti-measles vaccination starts April 25
MANILA, Philippines — Parents should have their children vaccinated against measles.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque made the appeal yesterday ahead of the launch of the National Ligtas Tigdas Supplemental Immunization Activity.
Duque said free anti-measles vaccination would be given in Metro Manila starting today until May 24 and in Mindanao from May 9 to June 8.
Citing a report of the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, Duque said the number of measles cases increased this year, with 5,545 from Jan. 1 to April 14. At least 15 deaths were also reported.
“Among the… deaths, 13 were not vaccinated,” Duque said.
The DOH said pockets of measles outbreaks started in the last quarter of 2017.
Duque said the anti-measles campaign is targeting those aged six months to five years.
“We hope to reach all parents, caregivers and guardians to emphasize the life-saving benefits of measles vaccination,” he said.
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