Ilocos region: The Department of Health (DOH) has launched a significant vaccination campaign, deploying 23 specialized teams for the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) in the Ilocos Region. This effort, which is scheduled to run from August 10 to 21, aims to immunize a substantial number of children in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, each of the 23 teams consists of five members, including doctors, nurses, medical technologists, and health program officers. These teams are tasked with delivering vaccinations, providing field supervision, and offering technical assistance to enhance the immunization process. The initiative specifically targets children aged six to 59 months, with a focus on reaching those in hard-to-reach and flood-affected communities. The overarching goal is to vaccinate at least 95 percent of the 444,512 eligible children in the region.

DOH-Ilocos Director Helen Tobias emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating, "Our objective is to reach as many eligible children as possible and ensure they receive the protection they need against measles and rubella despite the weather condition." She called on parents and caregivers to take proactive steps, urging them to visit designated vaccination sites or coordinate with local health offices and barangay health workers.

Tobias highlighted the critical nature of the initiative by stating, "Every missed child is another child left vulnerable to measles and rubella. Let us seize this opportunity to ensure that no child is left behind." The DOH reassured the public of the safety and efficacy of the measles-rubella vaccine, which is provided free of charge as part of the government's commitment to universal health care.