Manila: The Baguio City Health Services Office (CHSO) is intensifying its efforts to vaccinate 25,335 children in the ongoing measles-rubella simultaneous immunization activity (MR-SIA). These efforts come amidst challenges posed by recent heavy monsoon rains that have led to a low turnout. According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, the chief of the city health services office, emphasized the importance of vaccinating children aged six to 59 months to provide an added layer of protection against measles and German measles. Health workers are facing difficulties due to continuous heavy rains over the past three weeks but remain committed to visiting homes with eligible children. CHSO records indicate that as of August 19, only 3,303 children have received the vaccine. This includes 621 children aged six to 12 months, 610 aged 13 to 23 months, and 2,072 aged 24 to 59 months. The health authorities are aiming for a 95 percent vaccination rate by the end of the drive on August 28. Dr. Bri llantes announced that starting August 22, the CHSO will be open for MR vaccinations, including on weekends. They will also cater to girls aged 9 to 14 for HPV vaccines. Additionally, the CHSO is engaging with grandparents during senior citizens' meetings to encourage family members to receive the free MR vaccines and Vitamin A drops. Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, the regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) Cordillera, highlighted the risks unvaccinated children face, including severe complications from measles. She stressed the importance of vaccination to prevent serious outcomes like pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, brain complications, and death, especially in children with weakened immune systems. Rubella infection can also result in serious birth defects when contracted by pregnant women. Health workers are establishing fixed vaccination sites and conducting house-to-house outreach to ensure that as many children as possible are vaccinated and protected from potentially life-threatening complic ations.