Iloilo City intensifies vaccination drive vs measles
ILOILO CITY—Health officials are pushing for urgent immunization against measles to prevent an outbreak of the disease.
Dr. Jennifer Tuvilla-Anceno, medical consultant for the National Immunization Program, emphasized the critical role of the measles-rubella catch-up immunization campaign in closing vaccination gaps.
“Measles is included in our routine immunization program. We administer the first dose at nine months and the second dose at 12 months. However, some children miss their scheduled vaccinations, which is why we are conducting this catch-up program,” she said in an interview.
Health authorities prioritized the Mandurriao District after a 19-year-old woman from Passi City, who works in the district, tested positive for measles.
The City Health Office (CHO) underscored the risk of exposure in urban settings where people interact closely, especially with unvaccinated children.
“Even though she is not originally from Iloilo City, she is now working and interacting with people here, including young children. This increases the risk of exposure, making our catch-up immunization efforts even more critical,” Anceno explained.
Immunization gap
Since measles is highly contagious, health officials are rushing to contain the virus before it spreads further and are focusing on ensuring full protection for every child in the 9 months to 59 months age group.
“For those who are already fully vaccinated, we will still administer an additional dose to strengthen their protection. For children who have not completed their two-dose schedule, “we will ensure they receive their missing vaccines,” Anceno said.
The CHO assured the public that vaccine stocks are sufficient, with additional doses available if needed.
Despite these efforts, Iloilo City still faces immunization gaps.
Anceno noted that while Iloilo ranked second in Western Visayas for the highest number of fully immunized children in 2023, some children remain vulnerable.
“Even with high coverage, there are always some children who fall through the cracks. That’s why we are seeing cases of measles, especially among older individuals whose immunity has waned over time. This is why booster doses and supplementary immunization are essential,” she explained.
Don’t delay
Suspected patients are being tested at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine with results expected in two weeks.
In the meantime, health officials strongly advise self-isolation to prevent further transmission.
“We vaccinate every child who comes to us. However, we advise parents to have their children immunized in their place of residence so that their medical records are complete and properly documented,” Anceno said.
The CHO is also expanding vaccinations to include school-based programs for children age 6 to 13, ensuring those who missed their earlier doses get protection.
With measles capable of causing pneumonia, encephalitis and even blindness, health officials are urging parents not to delay vaccinations.
“We appeal to parents to allow their children to receive these immunizations. We assure them the vaccine is safe, effective, and free of charge. The protection of your children is in your hands,” Anceno said.
