ASIDE from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, outbreaks of different vaccine-preventable diseases are also threatening the Philippines given the low immunization rate in the first quarter of 2020.

Wilda Silva, manager of the Department of Health (DOH) national immunization program, said the immunization rate was only 7.0 percent in the January to March 2020 period.

This is less than a third of the quarterly target of 23 to 24 percent and about half of the 16 percent average pre-Covid-19 accomplishment, she said.

"In quarter 1 or January-March, we are at an all time low of 7.0 percent for fully immunized child coverage," Silva said in a virtual press briefing Friday, May 15.

"We have not experienced this number for a very long time. We have experienced vaccine hesitancy in the past. But 7.0 percent is very low because of this Covid-19 crisis," she added.

Silva said the low number of fully immunized children can be directly attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic.

She noted how parents are afraid to bring their children to the health centers even if they are open to immunization services for fear of acquiring the virus.

In other areas, Silva said health centers are closed either because of fear of Covid-19 or the healthcare workers have been pulled out to assist in the Covid-19 response efforts.

"There is a disruption in the delivery of immunization services at all delivery points," said Silva.

Given the low immunization rate, she warned that outbreaks of diseases, such as measles, may happen once the lockdown is lifted.

"Yes, we are experiencing clustering of measles in some, areas in some of the regions, particularly down south," said Silva.

She urged all local government units to work with the DOH in increasing immunization rates in their areas.

"We have continuous communication with regional managers... right now, the tall order is for the catch-up immunization in all areas," said Silva. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)