NCR Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive Exceeds Target, but Routine Immunization Lags

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said that more than one million Filipino children in the country’s capital have been vaccinated through the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), but raised concerns over routine measles-rubella immunization rates that remain below the regional target. In a statement, the DOH said that 1,045,889 of the targeted 1,200,428 children aged six to 59 months in the National Capital Region (NCR) received measles-rubella vaccines following the conclusion of the MR-SIA on June 30. This translates to an 87.1% vaccination coverage rate under the supplemental immunization campaign. The figure includes 6,100 children whose vaccinations were initially deferred or declined but were later administered the vaccine. The DOH said that eight of Metro Manila’s 17 cities surpassed the 95% vaccination coverage target needed to provide strong community protection against measles. These include Parañaque, Makati, Manila, Pasay, Navotas, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Quezon City, which recorded the highest number of vaccinated children at 262,720. Of the 1,715 barangays in NCR, 1,092 (64%) attained the recommended 95% vaccination coverage. However, the DOH urged parents not to limit measles-rubella vaccination to special campaigns, saying that routine childhood immunization remains the best way to ensure children are fully protected as they grow. While NCR led all regions in routine measles-rubella vaccination coverage at 32.32% for the first dose (MMR1) and 32.57% for the second dose (MMR2), these figures remain below the regional target of 54% for May. Makati, Quezon City, and Pasig each attained at least 40% coverage, the highest in the country. “The DOH encourages parents and guardians whose children may have missed their routine immunization schedule to visit their nearest health center,” the agency said. “Vaccines provided through the government’s National Immunization Program are safe, effective, and available free of charge,” it added. The department also committed to continue working with local government units and partners to improve routine immunization coverage, ensuring that every eligible child receives life-saving vaccines. — Edg Adrian A. Eva