Following Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr.’s thrust for a measles-free city, the Angeles City government, through the City Health Office, started the city-wide, house-to-house administration of free measles vaccines to Angeleño kids, ages 9 to 59 months old on August 24, 2022.
The house-to-house program is led by the City Health Officer Dr. Verona Guevarra with Nurse Supervisor Evelinda Mariano.
Mayor Lazatin said the vaccination drive is meant to ensure welfare of Angeleño kids especially those who are susceptible to viruses and diseases. He is urging all Angeleño parents to let their children aged 9 months to 59 months to get the measles jab.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala, para po ito sa kalusugan at kapakanan ng mga batang Angeleño. Hinihikayat ko po ang mga magulang na pabakunahan niyo po ang inyong mga anak na may edad na 9 buwan hanggang 59 buwan. Libre lang po ito,” Lazatin urged.
Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) issued an advisory to local government units to conduct measles outbreak response immunization from August 15-31, 2022.
In a meeting last August 24, 2022, Dr. Guevarra and Mariano presented updates on the ongoing house-to-house vaccination to Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, who are overseeing the response program.
Mariano also cited that in case a child missed the house-to-house immunization, they can go to the nearest sub-health centers or any of the six Rural Health Units, where the free measles vaccines are also available.
In November 2021, the Angeles City Government conducted community-based immunization of Measles, Rubella, Tetanus and Diphtheria (MRTD) for Angeleño children, aged 6-7 years old and 12-13 years old, in the city’s 33 barangays.
Amidst the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Lazatin continues to push for programs that will ensure the health of Angeleño children.
