Iloilo City Government, DOH launch immunization campaign
ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas has voiced his support for the Measles-Rubella bivalent Oral Polio Vaccines Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR bOPV SIA), which was launched partnership with the Department of Health and other agencies on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
The program, dubbed "Chikiting Ligtas," aimed to vaccinate all children between 0 and 59 months with the oral polio vaccine and at least 95 percent of children between nine and 59 months with the measles-rubella vaccine regardless of their vaccination status.
All Ilonggos with children ages 0-59 months are being urged by the Iloilo City Government to take part in the immunization drive this May, saying this will serve as “a preventative step against highly contagious illnesses like measles and polio.”
The only way to stop the spread of these illnesses, which can cause serious complications, permanent disability, and even death, is by vaccination, said the City Government.
Treñas also acknowledged the Iloilo City Health Office's dedication to advancing healthier communities through the MR bOPV SIA program.
Six health centers in the city are participating in the immunization activity: Jaro, Mandurriao, Lapaz, Molo, Arevalo, and City Proper.
The mayor urged guardians and parents to bring children under five years old to the vaccination event. He added that all children in Iloilo City should participate, especially those who reside in remote or underserved barangays.
Treñas advised everyone to use the vaccination program to give family members and the community's overall welfare and health a priority.
"This supplemental vaccination campaign acts as a preventive measure that guards our children from contracting these highly contagious diseases that lead to grave complications, including permanent disability and death," he said.
"Let us do our part and prevent the implications of these diseases for children. Have them vaccinated at the nearest district health centers," he added. (SunStar Philippines)