The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 1 (Ilocos Region) is set to roll out its anti-measles and rubella vaccination drive on Aug. 10 to 28 this year.

The Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) targets all children aged six to 59 months, regardless of previous vaccination status, to increase immunity and prevent outbreaks rapidly, according to DOH-Ilocos.

DOH-1 Regional Director Helen Tobias, in a statement on Thursday, said the success of the MR-SIA depends on collective action hence, she called on local chief executives, government agencies, schools, barangay officials, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and private sector partners to work together to ensure the success of the two-week immunization campaign across the region.

“Vaccination is a shared responsibility, and together, we can prevent outbreaks, save lives, and build healthier and more resilient communities throughout the region,” she said.

Tobias also encouraged parents and caregivers not to wait for children to become sick before seeking protection.

“Every missed child is another child left vulnerable to measles and rubella. Let us seize this opportunity to ensure that no child is left behind,” she added.

Vaccination teams will be deployed to barangay health stations, rural health units, schools, daycare centers, and temporary vaccination sites to reach eligible children throughout the campaign period.

The DOH strongly emphasized that the measles-rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and provided free of charge as part of the government’s commitment to Universal Health Care. (PNA)