Ilocos Region Achieves Over 60% Measles-Rubella Vaccination Coverage; Parents Urged to Vaccinate

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — A total of 272,096 children, or 61.2 percent of the target population, have been vaccinated against measles and rubella in the Ilocos Region as of Sept. 2, according to the latest “Ligtas Tigdas” bulletin. The vaccination campaign covers children aged 6 months to 59 months across the region. Among the age groups, children aged 24 to 59 months accounted for the largest number of vaccinated at 186,926, representing 63 percent coverage. This was followed by 50,180 vaccinated children aged 13 to 23 months, or 55.6 percent, and 34,900 children vaccinated aged 6 to 12 months, or 60.7 percent. Ilocos Norte posted the highest coverage at 90.2 percent, with 38,442 children vaccinated. Ilocos Sur followed with 40,657 vaccinated, or 83.5 percent coverage, while La Union recorded 42,586 or 68 percent. Pangasinan had 139,307 vaccinated children, equivalent to 50.6 percent coverage, while Dagupan City recorded 11,104 or 72.2 percent. Several local governments have already surpassed the 95-percent measles-rubella vaccination coverage target. Batac City in Ilocos Norte was the first city in the region to reach the target, recording 98 percent coverage. Among municipalities, Currimao led with 105.5 percent, followed by Dingras at 105.1 percent and Carasi at 104.2 percent. Bantay in Ilocos Sur recorded 101 percent, while Marcos posted 97.5 percent, Piddig 96.4 percent, Solsona 96.1 percent, Pinili 96 percent and Pagudpud 95.7 percent. Health authorities encourage parents and guardians to have eligible children vaccinated as the campaign seeks to increase protection against measles and rubella across the region. /apl —Kenneth P. Tabin / Contributor