The Department of Health Ilocos Region is calling on local government units, schools, private groups, and religious organizations to support its upcoming measles-rubella vaccination campaign in August.
Health officials announced the push during a stakeholders meeting Tuesday in Lingayen, Pangasinan aiming to vaccinate at least 95% of eligible children in the region to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks of the two highly contagious diseases.
Regional director Helen Tobias said reaching the target requires cooperation from all parts of the community to ensure every eligible child is reached.
“No child should suffer from diseases that are entirely preventable through safe and effective vaccines. Our goal of reaching 95 percent vaccination coverage is more than a public health target—it is our commitment to protect every child and every family in the Ilocos Region. We call on our governors, mayors, barangay officials, educators, health workers, partner agencies, civil society organizations, faith leaders, the private sector, and the media to stand with us. Together, we can overcome misinformation, strengthen vaccine confidence, prevent outbreaks, save lives, and secure a healthier future for the next generation,” Tobias said.
The campaign aims to immunize 444,512 children aged 6 months to 59 months across the region. The target breakdown includes 275,230 children in Pangasinan, 62,585 in La Union, 48,683 in Ilocos Sur, 42,632 in Ilocos Norte, and 15,382 in Dagupan City.
The vaccines will be distributed free of charge at government health centers, schools, and local outreach points once municipal and city health offices release the exact schedules as health officials emphasized that the vaccine is safe, effective, and prevents complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and permanent disability.
Tobias urged parents and community leaders to actively combat medical misinformation online and, in their neighborhoods, ahead of the August launch.
“Every vaccinated child is one step closer to a healthier, safer, and more resilient Ilocos Region. Protect every child. Support the August Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity. Together, let us achieve 95 percent coverage and build a future free from vaccine-preventable diseases”, Tobias said. NLMonitor
