Supplemental Vaccination Campaign Targets Young Children Nationwide

Health authorities launched a supplemental vaccination campaign targeting children aged six to 59 months to address national immunization coverage gaps and prevent disease outbreaks, the PIA reports.

The Provincial Government of La Union and the Department of Health (DOH) officially opened the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity and Vitamin A distribution in Bacnotan on Aug. 12. Running through Aug. 28 under DOH Memorandum No. 2026-0219, healthcare workers are deploying directly into local communities to deliver free supplemental protection.

In Barangay Cabaroan, local resident Rose Mary Riñon brought her 18-month-old child to a neighborhood vaccination post.

“It is very helpful in keeping my baby safe and protected from different illnesses. Thank you to the government for providing this program,” Riñon said.

Health officials stressed the importance of reaching all eligible children to build community immunity:

• Dr. Andy William Mendoza, Bacnotan Municipal Health Officer, stated, “Measles and rubella are preventable, yet they remain threats without high vaccination coverage,” urging parents to visit designated sites.
• Dr. Herminigildo Velasco, Provincial Health Officer II, added, “These vaccines are safe. Tell your neighbors so no child is left unprotected,” calling on families to encourage their neighbors to participate.

DOH Ilocos confirmed that mobile medical personnel will continue visiting remote areas across the province through Aug. 28, while safety protocols remain active to protect field workers during the typhoon season.

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SOURCE: PIA