Ilocos region: The Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Center for Health Development is targeting to immunize 444,512 children in the Ilocos Region against measles and rubella from August 10 to 28 this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the immunization activity aims to increase vaccination coverage, prevent outbreaks, and provide life-saving protection against measles and rubella. The target group includes children aged six months to 59 months. The distribution of the target numbers is as follows: 42,632 children in Ilocos Norte, 48,683 in Ilocos Sur, 62,585 in La Union, 275,230 in Pangasinan, and 15,382 in Dagupan City.

DOH-Ilocos Regional Director Helen Tobias assured the public that preparations for the month-long vaccination activity have been completed in coordination with local government units, provincial, city, and municipal health offices, schools, and partner agencies. Tobias emphasized the readiness of the healthcare system by stating, "Our vaccines are safe, effective, and available. We have trained healthcare workers, adequate vaccine supplies, and the necessary logistics to ensure quality vaccination services across the region. We are ready, and we encourage every parent to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their children."

Tobias highlighted the importance of high vaccination coverage in preventing disease outbreaks and protecting communities. "When more children are vaccinated, we build stronger protection not only for individual families but for the whole community. This is a shared responsibility. Together, we can stop measles outbreaks, save lives, and give every child the healthy future they deserve," she added.