By John Noel E. Herrera
According to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), nearly 11,000 children aged nine to 59 months in Iloilo province have not yet been vaccinated against Measles and Rubella. The Department of Health has set a target of achieving a 95 percent coverage rate for the Measles-Rubella Oral Pollo Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR OPV SIA) by June 15, 2023. As of June 13, Iloilo has reached an 88.19 percent vaccination rate but still needs to immunize 10,997 children to meet the 95 percent target.
Among the towns in Iloilo, 11 recorded lower vaccination rates, including Badiangan, Igbaras, Zarraga, San Joaquin, New Lucena, Anilao, San Miguel, Janiuay, Maasin, Banate, and Bingawan. On the other hand, six municipalities, namely Batad, Sara, Lemery, Santa Barbara, Mina, and San Enrique, have already exceeded the 100 percent accomplishment rate. Iloilo currently has the second highest immunization rate in the region, but it is crucial to reach the 95 percent target before the deadline.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, the head of IPHO, urged parents from towns with lower vaccination rates to bring their children to the nearest health center or vaccination posts to receive the vaccine. Quiñon emphasized the importance of vaccination to prevent complications such as dehydration, vomiting, pneumonia, and brain inflammation that can result from measles. She assured parents that the vaccine is safe and effective, and it provides an added layer of protection for children.
The MR OPV SIA was extended in selected provinces, including Iloilo, due to low accomplishment rates and challenges caused by heavy rains and flooding. The original deadline was May 31, but the extension was deemed necessary. The Department of Health in Western Visayas reported that as of June 8, more than 522,000 children in the region, accounting for 79.2 percent of the target population, have already received their vaccination.
