Iloilo measles-rubella drive vaccinates 54,721 children

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — The measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity in Iloilo has vaccinated 54,721 children ages 6 to 59 months, reaching 31.75% of the province’s 172,360 target as of Aug. 14.

The campaign, which runs from Aug. 10 to 28 under the Department of Health’s Ligtas Tigdas program, aims to close immunity gaps and prevent the spread of measles and rubella among young children.

Five local government units have already reached or exceeded the cumulative Day 5 target of 42.5%, led by Miagao with 62.86% coverage.

Passi City followed at 52.18%, Mina at 48.35%, New Lucena at 47.65%, and Guimbal at 43.91%, based on data from the DOH Vaccination Tracking System.

Barotac Viejo posted 41.68% coverage, followed by Alimodian at 40.34%, Anilao at 39.89%, Lemery at 39.14%, and Santa Barbara at 38.78%.

Banate recorded the lowest coverage at 11.85%, followed by Estancia at 12.76%, Oton at 17.27%, Sara at 19.23%, and Dueñas at 20.62%.

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office said vaccination teams will continue visiting barangays next week to reach eligible children who have yet to receive the measles-rubella vaccine.

The province’s vaccination campaign continued despite weather disturbances during the week, with health workers, local government and barangay officials, and volunteers helping bring vaccines closer to communities.

The measles-rubella vaccine is administered free of charge to eligible children regardless of their previous immunization status.

The province also continues to encourage parents to rely on credible health information amid misinformation and concerns about vaccine safety.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. earlier reminded parents that vaccines are safe and effective and urged them not to dismiss vaccination because of misinformation.

He described vaccination as a key preventive health measure and said vaccines approved for use undergo evaluation and are widely used in disease prevention.

IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon had also urged parents to rely on qualified health professionals and credible medical information when making decisions about their children’s vaccination.

She stressed that vaccines undergo scientific research, clinical trials, and safety monitoring before being approved for public use.

From Jan. 4 to Aug. 8, the Iloilo Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit recorded 48 measles-rubella cases, 77.3% lower than the 211 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.

No deaths were recorded in either period.

Despite the decline in cases, health authorities continue to promote vaccination to maintain population immunity and reduce the risk of transmission.

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, particularly among young children, while rubella infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome and severe birth defects.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to have eligible children vaccinated at health centers, fixed vaccination sites, or temporary vaccination posts in their barangays.