By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Health authorities in the Ilocos Region are ramping up efforts to combat vaccine misinformation as they prepare for a month-long immunization campaign aimed at protecting thousands of young children against measles and rubella.
The Department of Health (DOH) announced that its Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) will run from August 10 to 28, targeting children aged six months to 59 months. The initiative seeks to raise vaccination coverage, reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, and strengthen community protection against two highly contagious viral infections.
Health officials emphasized that public confidence in vaccination remains critical to the campaign’s success, urging parents and guardians to rely on verified medical information rather than misleading claims circulating online and elsewhere.
The agency also called on healthcare workers to play a more active role in explaining the benefits and safety of vaccines, saying informed families are better equipped to make sound health decisions for their children.
Regional health officials stressed that vaccines remain among the most effective public health interventions, preventing serious illness and limiting the spread of infectious diseases within communities.
Preparations for the immunization drive have already been completed in partnership with local government units, provincial and municipal health offices, schools, and other government agencies. Authorities said vaccine supplies, logistics, and trained healthcare personnel are in place to ensure smooth implementation throughout the region.
The DOH assured the public that the measles-rubella vaccine has undergone rigorous safety standards and will be provided free of charge at government health centers and designated vaccination sites across the Ilocos Region.
Health authorities warned that maintaining high immunization coverage is essential to preventing future outbreaks, noting that widespread participation not only safeguards individual children but also strengthens protection for the broader community.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring all eligible children to the nearest government vaccination site during the August campaign to ensure they receive timely and life-saving protection against measles and rubella.
The DOH said the success of the program will depend on the combined efforts of families, healthcare workers, local governments, schools, and community partners working together to protect every eligible child from vaccine-preventable diseases.
ia/xf
