The Department of Health (DOH) is urging parents to have their children vaccinated amid arising challenges the country is facing due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“DOH strongly encourages every parent and caregiver to continue bringing their children ages 0 to 12 months and those with missed doses of vaccinations to the nearest health center for routine immunization services while following the national and local guidelines on Covid-19 preventive measures,” DOH regional director Cesar Cassion said in a statement.

Cassion cited that the recent polio outbreak in Nueva Ecija highlighted the value of immunization in saving lives and protecting communities through herd immunity.

“Outbreaks of Vaccine Preventable Diseases may further hamper communities and the health sector already battling the impacts of Covid-19, resulting in indirect morbidities and mortalities. Vaccine Preventable Diseases, particularly, measles, polio, rubella, and diphtheria remain a constant threat if low coverage of routine immunizations remain,” Cassion added.

In line with the World Immunization Week, celebrated from April 24 to 30, DOH is calling on the local government officials to initiate modified strategies in the delivery of essential health services with proper infection control measures.

“With this, the DOH strongly encourages parents, health workers, and local governments in Central Luzon to celebrate World Immunization Week by ensuring essential health services, most especially Routine Immunizations, are continued despite the Covid-19 pandemic,” the official said.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease and its transmission, however, sustained synchronized efforts of all stakeholders is needed to guarantee every child is vaccinated; DOH cannot do it alone,” Cassion furthered. (PIA-Central Luzon)