Measles vaccine drive launched in BARMM

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting a non-selective immunization program against measles in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to contain an outbreak. Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag said that regardless if a child has received the measles vaccine, he would be vaccinated again.

“Asking (the parent) if the child has been vaccinated against measles or requiring a vaccination card will delay the immunization activity,” Tayag said as he allayed fears of parents or mothers about a possible vaccine overdose.

“There is no such thing as (overdose) in vaccination. This is what is being explained now to the people in BARMM so they can fully understand it, and to address vaccine hesitancy among them,” Tayag said.

He said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is in the BARMM to look into the outbreak.

“It is important to immediately immunize children, including six-month-old babies,” Tayag said.

He said the vaccination is a priority in the region.

“There is a need for a large number of vaccinators to be able to do this task,” he said.

In the past six months, over 2,600 measles cases were recorded in the country.

Of the figure, more than 1,400 cases were recorded in the BARMM, prompting health officials to declare a measles outbreak in the region.