By Hilda Austria
In Malasiqui, Pangasinan, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) aims to immunize 104,281 children as part of their “Everyday Bakuna Day” program. Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, the regional director of DOH-CHD-1, stated that the campaign’s objective is to ensure that immunization services are readily available every day at primary healthcare facilities, allowing parents and caregivers to bring their children for vaccination at any time during the week.
Sydiongco said parents do not have wait for Wednesdays, the scheduled vaccination day.
“They could have it any day from Monday to Friday,” she said.
Sydiongco pointed out that only through immunization can children’s health be protected.
Among the vaccine-preventable diseases are tuberculosis, hepatitis B, poliovirus, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and Human Papilloma Virus, among others.
DOH-CHD-1 medical officer Dr. Rheuel Bobis said vaccines for measles, rubella, pertussis and other vaccine-preventable diseases are free for children at government hospitals and health centers.
Measles cases rose to 38 in the region to date, from 27 cases the whole of 2023, while a confirmed case of pertussis has been recorded. (PNA)
