DOH targets 435,576 kids in Metro Manila for measles vaccine

The Department of Health (DOH) aims to vaccinate over 400,000 children in Metro Manila against measles as cases surge.

Dr. Lester Tan, director of the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development, stated that their goal is to immunize 435,576 children aged nine to 59 months as part of a catch-up campaign.

Since January, there have been 1,185 measles cases nationwide, marking a 27 percent increase from the same period last year, with the National Capital Region recording 295 cases.

The initiative targets children who may have missed routine vaccinations or only received one dose, and since the drive began last week, around 41,000 children have already been vaccinated.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged parents to visit health centers for vaccination schedules and reminded that safe and effective vaccines are crucial in preventing measles outbreaks.

The DOH will continue conducting house-to-house immunizations to ensure more children receive the vaccine.