DOH NorMin calls on parents for vaccination of children vs measles, rubella

TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com| DOH NorMin calls on parents for vaccination of children vs measles, rubella.

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development–Northern Mindanao urged parents to have their children, ages six months to 59 months, vaccinated against measles and rubella.

Vaccinations will be offered at health centers and rural health units across the region during the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) from January 19 to February 13.

Health officials said the campaign is separate from routine immunization. Children who have already received a measles-rubella dose before age one remain eligible, as the MR-SIA serves as a booster dose.

During the January 8 episode of Talakayan sa PIA media forum, Dr. Germaine Mariz Labadan of the DOH-CHDNM Family Health Cluster said measles cases were recorded in Northern Mindanao toward the end of last year.

“As of last year, at the end of the year last year, medyo there are already cases of measles and nakita siya all around sa atong region and medyo dangerous ni siya,” Labadan said.

(As of the end of last year, there were already cases of measles seen across our region, and it is quite dangerous.)

Labadan said measles can spread through coughing, sneezing, saliva, mucus, and close contact, including talking, especially among children with low immunity or incomplete vaccination.

She said symptoms include fever, red eyes or conjunctivitis, skin rashes, cough, and runny nose. Complications may include pneumonia and, in severe cases, encephalitis or infection of the brain.

The vaccination campaign aims to achieve at least 95% coverage at the regional and national levels

“Atong target is mga bata kay kini siya nga age group ang dali matakdan, and dali rapud makakuha og serious conditions. The measles rubella infection wala ni sila’y tambal,” Labadan said.

(Our target is children because this age group is easily infected and can develop serious conditions. There is no medicine for measles-rubella infection.)

She said prevention through vaccination remains the only protection.

DOH data show immunization gaps in Northern Mindanao that increase the risk of measles transmission.

For calendar year 2025, measles-mumps-rubella first-dose (MMR1) coverage for children ages 0 to 12 months in the region is 59.04%. Provincial and city coverage rates are: Camiguin, 65.06%; Lanao del Norte, 59.44%; Misamis Occidental, 54.69%; Misamis Oriental, 56.22%; Cagayan de Oro City, 69.91%; and Iligan City, 56.66%.

Fully immunized child (FIC) coverage in the region stands at 56.91%, with Camiguin at 53.73%; Lanao del Norte, 57.79%; Misamis Occidental, 52.05%; Misamis Oriental, 51.87%; Cagayan de Oro City, 87.21%; and Iligan City, 52.55%.

Labadan said the figures remain below the national target of 95% FIC coverage, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to address immunity gaps and prevent measles outbreaks. (JMOR/PIA-10)

###