DAVAO City has recorded a high turnout during its first two days of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Campaign with a total of 25,303 children receiving the vaccine.
The City Government started its Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Campaign on Monday, October 26, 2020, and already covered a high number of children ages 9 to 59 months.
Of the 25,303 children immunized on the second day of the activity, 9,567 were children from the city's Third District, 7,979 from the First District, and 7,757 from the Second District
Dr. Julinda Acosta, head of the technical division of the City Health Office (CHO), said the number of children covered during the first two days is 16.10 percent of the 157,178 children to receive the vaccine.
"Imagine, for its first days we have immunized this number of children despite the increasing cases of Covid-19,” Acosta said.
Acosta was optimistic that more children will be immunized because the CHO has continued its information dissemination and closely coordinated with the barangay personnel to reach the grassroots level.
Acosta ensured that basic health protocols are followed during the immunization activity. Health workers who are also administering the measles-rubella vaccine are monitored for flu-like symptoms.
“We monitor their signs and symptoms. We also check if they are close contacts of a suspect or confirmed cases of Covid-19,” she said.
Besides monitoring, the health workers are also equipped with full personal protective equipment such as masks, face shields and gloves. They have also minimized contact time between vaccinator and caretaker to less than 15 minutes.
CHO has urged parents or guardians of children who are 9 to 59 months old to have their children vaccinated in their nearest barangay health centers, health stations, and nutrition posts. Only one parent or guardian is allowed for every child to minimize unnecessary exposure. (PR)