The measles-rubella and oral polio vaccination for children kicked off in this province on Monday.

Mothers with their children fell in line early at the Samal South Elementary School in Barangay Sta. Lucia here where the immunization activity was held.

Midwife Lolita Poblete of the Samal Rural Health Center said she administered oral polio and measles rubella vaccines to the children and will continue doing so until the 28th of this month.

“Oral polio vaccine is given to children zero to 59 months old while measles rubella vaccine (is) being administered to kids nine months to 59 months old,” Poblete said.

She said the schedule of vaccination here is by sitio or hamlet. “Like today, children from five sitios will be vaccinated,” she said.

Poblete said she is hopeful that all targeted children will be vaccinated, noting the positive reactions of parents to the immunization drive.

In Barangay Sta. Lucia, targeted are 256 children for the oral polio vaccines and 218 children for the measles-rubella vaccines.

Barangay health workers saw to it that safety protocols were in place as safeguard against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

They checked the temperatures of children and mothers and applied alcohol on their hands.

Barangay tanod or village watchmen, on the other hand, saw to it that social distancing was observed and face masks were worn. (PNA)