Door to Door Measles Immunization Campaign in Paranaque slated

Relentlessly pursuing its goal of eliminating measles in 2012, the Department of Health (DOH) will launch the “Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pilipinas” to immunize about 18 million children nationwide, in a “Door-to-Door Campaign” from April 4 to May 4, 2011.

Basically a follow-through of earlier mass measles immunization campaigns, particularly those in 1998, 2004 and 2007, the new stage is aimed at covering children, nine (9) months to less than eight (8) years old who were missed by the routine immunization and to give booster shots to those who already been administered the vaccine. 

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection in the respiratory system that is spread through respiration.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a generalized rash.

If untreated, it could lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis and result to death. On orders of Parañaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr., the City Health Office mobilized all its manpower resources including community volunteers, aiming to post a “no child missed” or 100% coverage.

The local chief executive also exhorted barangay chairpersons to support the current measles mobilization drive as they did in the past.

Parañaque City Health Officer Dr. Olga Virtusio urged mothers/guardians to have children 9 months to less than 8 years old vaccinated against measles so that they will have complete protection against the deadly infection, emphasizing that Barangay Health Workers and Health Center personnel will do a Door-to-Door service.

She clarified that measles vaccination is given FREE being a project of the DOH in cooperation with the Parañaque City Government.