DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos successfully concluded the Measles, Rubella and bivalent Oral Poliovirus Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-bOPV SIA) on June 15, 2023.
 
According to DOH, the activity resulted in a total of 91% vaccination coverage for the measles-rubella and 85% coverage for the oral polio vaccine in selected areas of the region.
 
In a statement issued on Wednesday, DOH Ilocos regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco disclosed that a total of 378,396 out of the 416,762 target children received MR vaccination and  162,687 out of the 190,603 children in priority areas received their OPV vaccine according to the unofficial quick count and from the data submitted by various local government units (LGU) as of June 19, 2023.
 
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa lahat ng mga LGUs, vaccinating teams, partners, at stakeholders at sa lahat ng mga health workers sa inyong determinasyon upang lahat ng bata ay mabakunahan at matagumpay na maidaos ang MR-OPV SIA vaccination sa ating region at sa patuloy na pagsulong ng mga programang pangkalusugan. Lubos po ang aming pasasalamat sa inyong lahat. Ang tagumpay na ito ay para sa inyong lahat,” she stated.
 
She added, “With this accomplishment, we can safely say that we have closed the immunization gap and prevented the measles outbreak and re-circulation of poliovirus in the region.”
 
Ilocos region ranked third in the overall nationwide vaccination coverage, with CARAGA region leading the tally with 100.38% followed by the National Capital Region with 91.04%.
 
According to the regional MR vaccination coverage, out of the 125 LGUs, 27 have below 80%; 34 have between 80% - 94%; and 64 have above 95%.
 
Sydiongco emphasized that the regional office will analyze the immunization performance of every LGU in both routine and supplemental immunization activities to identify high-risk areas for catch-up activities.
 
“We will continue to strengthen the routine immunization in all areas and ensure continuous provision of immunization services through fixed sites and outreach sites and integrate vaccine-preventable disease surveillance both in facility-based and community-based health services,” she said.
 
Sydiongco also assured that they will be giving due recognition to LGUs who have achieved the target coverage and acknowledge their dedication and support during the campaign. (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)