Immunization against kids' diseases remains low

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Health has recorded the lowest percentage in its immunization drive for children against vaccine-preventable diseases in Central Visayas.

DOH-7 regional director Dr. Jaime Bernadas, in yesterday’s launch of the community-based and catch-up routine immunization at Robinson’s Galeria, said that for this year alone, only 20 percent are fully immunized.

Bernadas said this is the lowest that the region got as far as immunization for diseases like polio, measles, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria is concerned.

He, however, noted that the decline in immunization of vaccine-preventable diseases started way back in 2014.

“Unfortunately this has really started to decline since 2015 or early 2014. Before that, we can still reach 95 percent of our target. But this accomplishment has been really declining not only in Cebu but throughout the Philippines,” said Bernadas.

Disinformation and fake news in social media have affected the perception of parents on vaccines.

“On our social media there are a lot of lies; a lot of publications that people think are true…So we urge you to believe in our City Health workers and officers because it’s them that has the right information,” said Bernadas.

Aside from misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, Bernadas also acknowledged that COVID-19 has also greatly affected its immunization program.

With cases in the region especially in Cebu island already going down further, health care workers including those in the barangays are now expected to step up in their immunization efforts.

The Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Education in Region 7 also extended their support to DOH-7 in this catch-up immunization all for the common goal of having a healthy citizenry. — GMR (FREEMAN)