DOH, LGUs commenced MR-OPV SIA amidst typhoon and COVID-19 pandemic
The Department of Health (DOH) and the local government units (LGUs) had commenced the Measles, Rubella, and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) amidst typhoon and coronavirus pandemic.
This, as DOH and LGUs commenced the MR-OPV SIA despite the heavy rainfall brought about by Typhoon Quinta and the ongoing pandemic.
In a press release, the DOH and LGUs had commenced the MR-OPV SIA last October 26, 2020 in the Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos, MIMAROPA, and Bicol regions in Luzon.
In addition, the DOH and LGUs had commenced the Measles, Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity in the whole of Mindanao.
According to DOH, infection prevention and control measures and minimum public health standards were strictly observed in all vaccination posts in order to ensure safety and to minimize transmission of coronavirus disease as well.
As per DOH’s press release, the overall coverage was 5% or 231,996 infants and children aged 9-59 months old were vaccinated for Measles-Rubella (MR) immunization, while the overall coverage was 2% or 35,927 infants and children aged 0-59 months old were vaccinated for bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV) immunization in Luzon regions.
In addition, some municipalities have yet to start their implementation due to extreme weather conditions and also strict quarantine protocols in areas with increasing COVID-19 cases as well.
READ ALSO: Total COVID-19 Cases In PH Already At 375,180
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that the Department of Health called all implementing units in order to remain resolute in achieving the goals of Measles, Rubella, and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity amid the obstacles being faced.
Duque also said that the Department of Health would like to thank all organizations and individuals who were devoting their time, effort, and expertise and unwavering support for this campaign.
Moreover, Duque said that in their fight against vaccine-preventable diseases, they needed to ensure that no child was left behind unvaccinated.
“We have a month to implement a quality immunization activity and I encourage our health workers and vaccination teams to exert all effort and protect our children from these highly transmissible and infectious diseases“, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.
As of 4:00 p.m. of October 28, 2020, the Department of Health reported 2,053 newly-reported COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases to 375,180.
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