Over 430,292 kids in Calabarzon targeted for measles vaccination

The Department of Health (DOH) in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) is targeting the vaccination of more than 430,000 children against the measles virus.

“We will be targeting to vaccinate a total of 430,292 children in Calabarzon... In Cavite, we will be aiming to immunize 113,064 eligible children; in Laguna – 90,160; Batangas – 79,839; Rizal – 87,019; and Quezon – 60,210,” said Regional Director Eduardo Janairo.

In a bid to immunize more children, the DOH-Calabarzon also established vaccination centers in selected fastfood chains and malls in the region.

Janairo said that the initiative was in support of the national government's call for the massive immunization of children to “further prevent the increasing number of measles” in Calabarzon.

“We will be implementing key strategies on measles outbreak response, including surveillance, public awareness and education, vaccination, and taking care of measles patients in health care facilities,” he added.

The health official reiterated that the measles vaccine is safe and effective.

“Parents need not to worry because it is very safe, it is effective at it is the best defense against measles,” he said.

According to the DOH Epidemiology bureau, a total of 1,434 measles cases with 31 deaths have already been recorded as of February 11. Calabarzon is included in the regions with the highest number of measles cases.

Recently, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III projected that measles outbreak in certain regions might be declared under control by April or May.