THE Department of Health (DOH)-Northern Mindanao has started the second round of the region-wide “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio” last Monday, January 20.

According to Dr. Ian Christian Gonzales, DOH Infectious Diseases Cluster head, they are targeting a total of 584,076 children, which includes children who were already vaccinated during the first round, and those who were not given one, owing to the parents’ refusal to have their children vaccinated.

“We encourage all parents, all caregivers, na pabakunahan balik ilang anak karon round two (to have their children vaccinated again for). Even if nabakunahan na sa round one, magpabakuna tang tanan sa round two,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales said all the local government units reported that there were a number of parents who refused to have their children vaccinated due to “fear of harm.”

He said only a few of them were still worried about dengvaxia, however, there were others who were not informed of DOH’s campaign against polio, as most of them are living in the far-flung areas.

“Wala pa pud sila nasayod, especially didto sa medyo far-flung area, nga naa diay campaign. Ayha pa sila nakabalo na naa na diha ang bakunador. So since wala silay advance na information, medyo hesitant pa pud sila,” Gonzales said.

He added that they’re now looking into intensifying communication about the campaign against polio, particularly in areas where their information dissemination can’t reach.

Gonzales also assured the worried parents that the polio vaccines are safe, effective and free. They are available to be given by their vaccination team through the house-to-house campaign, in health centers, malls, markets, terminals and churches.

“Siguraduhon nato na karong kampanya na masunod gyud ang no child missed,” Gonzales said.

The second round of the Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio is scheduled on January 20 until February 2.