Half of C. Visayas still up for measles shots
CEBU CITY –About half percent of the population in Central Visayas still has to be vaccinated for measles.
Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas revealed the figure during the information caravan Monday at Barangay Duljo Fatima.
“Our goal is to reach 100 percent coverage for the region to achieve herd immunity,” Bernadas said.
The goal was supposed to have been reached by last Dec. 21, but only half of the parents visited the health centers or government hospitals to have their children immunized, Bernadas said.
Responding to the measles outbreak in the country, DOH, OPAV and other affiliated government agencies embarked on a regional measles vaccination information campaign.
Bernadas said the campaign was stepped up after the declaration of the measles outbreak.
From Jan. 1 to Feb. 12, there were 169 cases of measles recorded in Central Visayas alone, with three deaths reported, Bernadas said.
Central Visayas is one of the four main regions affected by the outbreak, he said.
OPAV-Presidential Assistant Mike Dino said there is no reason for the public to doubt the effectiveness of the measles vaccine since there have been no cases so far of children dying after receiving a measles shot. (With reports from Sarah Hazel Chavez, USC intern).