RI enjoins parents to support supplemental immunization activity

TARLAC f International (RI) Philippines enjoins parents and guardians to support the upcoming Measles Rubella-Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) this Februar y.

The organization serves as social mobilizers who educate parents and guardians on the importance of vaccines, and to eradicate malice of diseases.

CI T Y- Relie

RI Communication for Development Specialist Mark Sp en cer Barcenadisclosed that MR-OPV SIA 2021 targets to provide 5.1 million measles and rubella vaccines, and more than 900,000 oral polio vaccines in Central Luzon.

“We are aiming for a large number because the more the kids we vaccinate in a community, the lesser is the chance for the disease to spread. This will be beneficial not only to the children who received the vaccine, but also to those kids who were not, especially those who are immunocompromised,” he pointed.

Measles and rubella or German measles vaccine will be provided to children 9-59 months old, while oral polio vaccine will be given to children 0-59 months ol d.

Moreover, RI emphasized that the vaccine is free, and the Department

of Health ensures that it is safe and effec

“The strategy for the supplemental immunization activity is not to do it on a house-to-house basis. There should be fixed posts provided such as barangay health centers or other places to be assigned by the health officers. There will be a staggered scheduling to be strictly followed, Barcenafurthered.

Vaccines to be given are only supplemental dosage and can be completed through routine immunization.

Polio is a viral infection which attacks the spinal cord and nerve muscles that may lead to paralysis.

Moreover, Measles is a highly contagious illness which affects the nose and throat.

Rubella, on the other hand, can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or childbirth defects for mothers who become infected during pregnancy. (PIA 3)

tive.