Bicol region: A total of 483,351 children aged 6 to 59 months in the Bicol Region have received measles and rubella vaccinations, representing 74.70 percent of the region's target population under the 2026 Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol announced on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-Bicol Center for Health Development Regional Director Dr. Voltaire Guadalupe said the figure was recorded during the third week of the campaign, which targets 647,092 children across the region. The latest quick count shows that 163,741 children remain unvaccinated as health workers continue efforts to reach the remaining eligible children.

Albay recorded the highest vaccination coverage among the provinces and highly urbanized cities, with 125,802 children vaccinated, or 95.14 percent of its 132,231 target. Masbate followed with 86,669 vaccinated children, equivalent to 85.82 percent of its 104,487 target.

Camarines Sur recorded 138,066 vaccinated children, or 66.90 percent of its 206,391 target, while Sorsogon posted 54,969, or 64.10 percent of its 85,760 target. Camarines Norte recorded 45,403 vaccinated children, or 63.96 percent of its 70,990 target, followed by Catanduanes with 17,899, or 63.84 percent of its 28,039 target. Naga City recorded 11,543 vaccinated children, equivalent to 60.14 percent of its 19,194 target.

The DOH Bicol continues to encourage parents and guardians of eligible children to bring them to the nearest health center to receive the measles-rubella vaccine. The health agency said the vaccination activity is being carried out through the concerted efforts of local government units, community leaders, healthcare workers, volunteers, and parents to ensure that children are protected against measles and rubella.

Guadalupe stated that health workers are continuing their efforts to increase vaccination coverage and reach children who have yet to receive the supplemental immunization.