Manila: The City Health Services Office is urging parents and guardians to have children aged 6 to 59 months vaccinated against measles and rubella as the city prepares for a supplemental immunization campaign in August. City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes emphasized that a single dose of the vaccine can protect children from serious complications of measles, including pneumonia and possible blindness.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Brillantes stated, "Measles itself is rarely fatal, but its complications are what make it dangerous, with pneumonia being the most common. A single dose today can spare a child from complications such as blindness that measles could otherwise leave behind." The city's measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity is scheduled to run from August 3 to 28 as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at reaching children who missed their routine vaccinations and helping to prevent outbreaks.

Baguio is targeting 25,335 children for the vaccination drive, Dr. Brillantes noted. She urged parents and guardians to bring their children to the nearest district health center and barangay vaccination site once the campaign begins. The City Health Services Office highlighted that measles spreads through the air and can easily infect unvaccinated children in close-contact settings. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes.

The office also reminded the public that other vaccines are available for free at health centers, including influenza and pneumonia vaccines for senior citizens and other routine immunizations for eligible groups. "Vaccines are safe, effective and free for healthier Filipinos," the office stated.