IMPORTANCE OF IMMUNIZATION

Everyone is encouraged to give their attention to national immunization services so the emergence or reemergence of other deadly diseases can be controlled while the country is busy fighting off COVID-19

A s countries concentrate their efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us of the importance of immunization in the prevention and control of diseases such as measles, polio and pneumonia. Because of the pandemic, routine immunizations were disrupted in many countries, leaving the healthcare system overwhelmed. Unfortunately, the situation will continue to be that way if other diseases are disregarded.

In a recent media roundtable, it was reported that several health centers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have started adapting strategies to continue routine immunization. House-to-house vaccination visits for children, pregnant women and the elderly are being held where strict community quarantine guidelines are still observed.

But there’s still no COVID-19 vaccine and antiviral medicine available that could treat patients.

The WHO says on its website that “until specific and effective pharmaceutical interventions are available, people should continue to follow personal protection recommendations. At the individual level, people should follow procedures for reducing the risk of spread, such as proper hand-washing, covering your nose when sneezing, coughing into your elbow, not to touch your face and keep practicing physical distancing.”

Everyone is encouraged to give their attention to national immunization services so the emergence or reemergence of other deadly diseases can be controlled while the country is busy fighting off COVID-19.