The Department of Health in Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) targets to reach more qualified children in rural communities to be vaccinated against measles and rubella.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Elma Oclarit, head of the DOH-10 Family Center, said they have so far vaccinated more than 412,000 children, representing 78.8 percent of their target of more than 500,000 for this year.

“We have expanded our vaccination sites, including temporary sites such as covered courts in the barangays,” she said.

Oclarit clarified that vaccination will be conducted on-site to maintain the vaccine’s effectiveness. Therefore, social mobilizers and barangay health workers visit every household to encourage families to attend vaccination sites.

Oclarit also said that clinics and hospitals offer measles and rubella vaccinations even on weekends, including in shopping malls.

The DOH launched the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity in Mindanao from Jan. 19 to Feb. 13, aiming to vaccinate 90 to 95 percent of children ages 6 to 59 months. (PNA)