USec Tayag leads measles rubella oral polio vaccination supplemental immunization activity (MR-OPV-SIA) in Baguio, vax activities in barangays, district health centers up to May 31
The Measles Rubella Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV-SIA) with ceremonial vaccination led by USec Enrique Tayag, assisted by Center for Health Development (CHD-CAR) Regional Director Rio Magpantay and Health Services Office (HSO) In-charge Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes went on at Malcolm square, Central Business District last Tuesday morning.
Dubbed as “Tsikiting Ligtas, sa dagdag bakuna, kontra Polio, Rubella at Tigdas,” with infants and children as target; the venue was organized by personnel of the Department of Health (DOH), Local Government of Baguio through the Health Services (HSO) and other concerned offices.
DOH and HSO personnel also led in immunization activities in the area up to 12 noon.
In his welcome remarks, Mayor Benjamin Magalong recognized the role and unwavering commitment of health care workers in immunization, childrens’ protection, resilience and well-being towards adulthood. He also emphasized care for the elderly and vulnerables, and due to noted cases of Covid-19 in the city, masking-up specially in public transport and crowded places.
Special guest USec Tayag expressed gratitude to health workers, as well as appreciation in their role for Baguio’s highest coverage in the recent Covid-19 vaccination campaign. He urged parents and guardians to have their children 9 to 59 months old vaccinated against Measles Rubella (MR); and infants zero to 59 months to take the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).
Immunization activities are scheduled in barangay and district health centers up to the end of this month; with a 95% target; which translates to 155,991 children vaccinated for MR and 182,376 immunized against Polio.
As to queries on children being overdosed with vaccines, Tayag assured parents that the vaccines are supplementary to those earlier administered, and for added protection. There is a noted decrease in immunization for children in the past three years, due to restrictions, among other reasons, Tayag said.
A commitment to support the immunization program was pledged by stakeholders: Councilor Atty. Betty Lourdes Tabanda for the city council; Joseph Zambrano representing the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); Betty Pulido for the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP); Gian Lampaz for Youth on Point; Edgardo Ollet representing RD Alberto Mogol of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD); and John Magallanes for Rotary International Baguio City.
They, together with collaborators, partners and the community vowed to work continuously together and ensure that health is integrated in sectoral policies and government programs for a healthier and well-being of Cordillerans and Filipinos.
World Health Organization (WHO) representative Addisalem Seitu also graced the occasion.
For inclusivity, despite faith, beliefs and concern of devotion; the ceremonies commenced with prayers from Rev. David Tabo-oy of the Episcopal Diocese Church; a chant from Imam Ustad Shamsodin Monib of the Islamic Church; and a vernacular prayer from Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Bugtong of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP). – JGF
