Iloilo pushes free measles, rubella shots for young kids

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is urging parents and guardians to have their young children vaccinated against measles and rubella as the province prepares for the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) from Aug. 10 to 28.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the IPHO, city and municipal health offices, and other health stakeholders, will conduct the campaign to strengthen protection against measles and rubella among eligible children.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, diarrhea, brain infection, and death, particularly among young children.

Rubella is generally a mild viral illness, but it can cause severe birth defects known as congenital rubella syndrome if contracted by pregnant women, making widespread immunization essential to protect both children and expectant mothers.

From Jan. 4 to July 25 this year, the Iloilo Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit recorded 41 measles-rubella cases in the province, down 77.1% from 179 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

No deaths were recorded from the two diseases during the period.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to bring children ages 6 months to 59 months to the nearest health center, fixed vaccination site, or temporary vaccination post in their barangays to receive the measles-rubella vaccine free of charge, regardless of their previous vaccination status.

“Measles and rubella continue to spread in communities because many children remain unvaccinated. Immunization prevents illness and deaths among children,” Quiñon said.

She emphasized that the vaccines are safe, effective, and available at no cost through government health facilities.

Quiñon added that health workers assigned to the campaign have been trained to monitor and immediately manage any adverse events following immunization.

The province formally launched the campaign through a ceremonial vaccination on Aug. 3 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol during the regular Monday flag-raising ceremony.

The campaign is part of the DOH’s “Ligtas Tigdas” program, which aims to increase immunity among children and prevent measles and rubella outbreaks by reaching eligible children who may have missed routine immunization.

The DOH regularly conducts supplemental immunization activities in areas where vaccination coverage falls below the level needed to prevent outbreaks, on the reasoning that routine immunization alone leaves pockets of susceptible children in communities with weak uptake.

Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths among children despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.

“Together, we can protect our children and build healthier communities,” Quiñon said.