Mindanao: The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday urged parents and guardians to have children vaccinated against measles as Mindanao recorded a significant share of the country's cases, with more than 2 million children targeted for protection under the government's supplemental immunization drive.

According to Philippines News Agency, data from the DOH showed that 2,172 measles cases, or 42 percent of the total reported cases nationwide, were recorded in Mindanao from Jan. 1, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026.

In response to the high number of cases, the DOH has started Phase 1 of the Ligtas Tigdas or Measles-Rubella Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) in Mindanao regions, targeting the vaccination of 2.8 million children aged 6 to 59 months.

The health department advised parents to bring their children to the nearest vaccination site regardless of previous vaccination status, stressing that the campaign aims to prevent severe complications, hospitalization, and deaths caused by measles and rubella.

The DOH said measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly among young children, but can be prevented through timely vaccination.

While adverse reactions to the measles-rubella vaccine are rare, the DOH assured the public that healthcare workers are prepared to manage possible side effects should they occur.

The department reiterated its call for public cooperation, noting that achieving high vaccination coverage is critical to stopping the spread of measles and protecting communities, especially in high-risk areas such as Mindanao.