Ilocos norte: Ilocos Norte is targeting at least 25,000 more children for vaccination against measles rubella until August 31 as part of ongoing efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

According to Philippines News Agency, as of August 13, data shows that a total of 16,889 children, representing 39.6 percent of the target, have been vaccinated. This leaves 25,743 children yet to be protected. Dr. Rickson Balalio, provincial health officer, stated in an interview that the ongoing vaccination drive aims to reach eligible children, aged 6 to 59 months or under 5 years old, through health facilities, schools, village health stations, and community-based vaccination activities.

Health workers are actively coordinating with local government units and families to ensure that children in both urban and remote communities are reached. "We encourage all parents and guardians to support the Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization campaign for the whole month of August to prevent complications associated with measles and rubella, which can spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations," Balalio emphasized.

The campaign also seeks to address missed or delayed vaccinations by bringing immunization services closer to communities and strengthening the information campaign. Balalio reiterated that the vaccines are safe and effective. The World Health Organization has also stated that measles-containing vaccines have been used safely for decades, with serious adverse reactions being extremely rare.