Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando led the orientation on the Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR OPV SIA) and urged SK Chairmen and some youth in the province to actively participate in the health advocacies.

The purpose is to intensify the active participation of the barangays and strengthen the campaign to provide protection to every child against measles and polio.

With the impending risk of measles and polio outbreak to children nationwide, the Provincial Health Office-Public Health will be targeting Measles Rubella Vaccine distribution to 280,614 children under 9-59 months old and Oral Polio Vaccine distribution to 328,506 children under 0-59 months old.

In his message, Fernando encouraged the SK Chairmen to participate in the program and reminded them about the urgent need of vaccine distribution to children under 5 years old because they have the highest risk of catching measles and polio.

“Ako po ay humihingi sa inyo ng tulong bilang inyong gobernador, nananawagan ako na tulungan natin ang mga barangay health workers and other public servants na maihayag ang programa na ito dahil tayo rin ay concerned para sa mga kabataang Bulakenyo lalo na sa mga hindi pa nababakunahan,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, children may receive measles and polio vaccination through fixed facilities of LGUs, post facilities, and house-to-house method initiated by the SK chairmen and its members.

The MR-OPV SIA vaccination will run from May 1-31, 2023 and will also include vitamin A supplementation among children under 5 years old. According to Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), a total of 41 suspected measles was reported and investigated in the Province of Bulacan which is 720% higher compared to the same period last year. (Provincial Government of Bulacan)