By Benjamin Cuaresma
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Department of Health (DOH) has launched an early measles-rubella vaccination campaign in Pangasinan, immunizing 220 toddlers ahead of the regionwide supplemental immunization activity aimed at protecting thousands of children from highly contagious vaccine-preventable diseases.
The ceremonial kickoff, held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen, marked the start of the government’s intensified campaign before the official 2026 Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) scheduled from August 10 to 28 across Region 1.
The initial rollout covered children aged 6 to 59 months from six pilot barangays—Mariboc, Poblacion, Tonton, Libsong East, Libsong West, and Pangapisan North.
The activity was spearheaded by Department of Health Assistant Secretary Maylene M. Beltran and DOH Ilocos Regional Director Helen D. Tobias, together with officials of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the Provincial Health Office, and local government units.
Beltran underscored the importance of vaccination as the country’s strongest defense against serious childhood illnesses.
“Vaccination remains the safest, most effective, and scientifically proven way to protect children from measles, rubella, and other vaccine-preventable diseases while preventing unnecessary deaths,” she said.
She urged parents to bring children aged six to 59 months to the nearest vaccination site, assuring the public that the measles-rubella vaccine has undergone stringent quality and safety evaluations and is provided free of charge by the government.
Health officials warned that maintaining high immunization coverage is critical to preventing the resurgence of measles, a highly contagious disease that can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, permanent disability, and death, particularly among young children.
Tobias, meanwhile, appealed to local chief executives, national government agencies, schools, barangay officials, healthcare workers, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and private sector partners to work together to ensure the success of the two-week vaccination campaign.
“The success of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity depends on our collective action,” Tobias said. “Through the support of our local governments and community partners, we can reach every eligible child, prevent outbreaks, save lives, and build healthier and more resilient communities across Region 1.”
She likewise encouraged parents and caregivers not to wait until children become ill before seeking protection.
“Every missed child is another child left vulnerable to measles and rubella. Let us seize this opportunity to ensure that no child is left behind,” Tobias said.
According to the DOH, the MR-SIA will vaccinate all children aged six to 59 months regardless of their previous vaccination status to rapidly increase community immunity and prevent disease outbreaks.
Vaccination teams will be deployed to barangay health stations, rural health units, schools, daycare centers, and temporary vaccination sites throughout the campaign.
The municipalities of Bauang and Agoo in La Union, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, and Candon City in Ilocos Sur are also scheduled to hold their respective launching activities ahead of the August 10 opening of the regionwide immunization drive.
The DOH reiterated that the measles-rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free, emphasizing that protecting every eligible child remains a key component of the government’s Universal Health Care program and its continuing effort to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases in the country.
