Calabarzon Achieves 57.1% Measles-Rubella Vaccination Coverage

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 762,136 children in Calabarzon have been immunized against measles and rubella (MR) following the recently concluded vaccination activity in the region, according to the Department of Health. DOH data showed the figure was 57.1 percent of the 1.33 million children aged six to 59 months targeted for MR vaccination in the region. Among provinces, Cavite recorded the highest number of vaccinated children with 201,672 followed by Laguna with 192,171 and Batangas with 139,466, according to the Center for Health and Development (CHD) in Calabarzon. Rizal recorded 115,122 while Quezon logged 99,415 children immunized against the diseases. Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte reported 301,040 vaccinated children. The Ilocos region CHD said Pangasinan reported the highest number of vaccinated children with 158,891 followed by La Union with 45,254, Ilocos Sur with 42,316 and Ilocos Norte with 40,108. Bicol recorded 507,362 vaccinated children including 145,012 in Camarines Sur, 128,426 in Albay, 96,683 in Masbate, 56,302 in Sorsogon and 50,059 in Camarines Norte. The Phase 3 of the measles-rubella supplemental immunization program covering Luzon and the Visayas was conducted from Aug. 10 to Sept. 4. Earlier this year, similar immunization campaigns were held in Mindanao and the National Capital Region.