1.2 million kids to receive measles, rubella vaccines

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday rolled out a measles and rubella vaccination program targeting around 1.2 million children in Metro Manila.

Children aged below five years are targeted for inoculation.

“Measles is not a simple illness. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness and even death, especially for unvaccinated children,” DOH-Metro Manila Center for Health Development regional director Lester Tan said.

Apart from designated vaccination posts, local governments established other vaccination sites for accessibility.

Health officials, the Muntinlupa government, partner state agencies and other stakeholders attended the “Ligtas Tigdas” campaign kick-off at the Muntinlupa City Sports Complex.