MANILA, (PIA) — Nearly 10,000 children aged nine to 59 months are being targeted for measles vaccination as part of Makati City’s participation in the national government’s catch-up vaccination campaign, which began March 17.
Among the beneficiaries of the vaccination efforts is three-year-old Francis Santos, a resident of Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo.
“I feel my son is safe knowing he will be vaccinated against measles,” Nilda, his mother said in Filipino, expressing relief at the city’s initiatives, stating, “It’s important for all children to be protected, and I’m glad we have access to these vaccines.”
Mayor Abby Binay announced the initiative Thursday, March 27, emphasizing its importance in maintaining public health.
Despite having a zero prevalence rate for measles since last year, Binay said that the city remains proactive in safeguarding the health of its youth. “This initiative reflects the city’s data-driven approach to closing immunity gaps and preventing potential outbreaks,” she said.
The urgency of the campaign is underscored by a report from the Department of Health (DOH), which noted a 133 percent increase in measles cases in the National Capital Region from January 1 to February 15, 2025, compared to the previous year.
Although Makati is not one of the DOH’s six priority areas for vaccination, which include neighboring cities like Mandaluyong and Quezon City, the city is committed to ensuring comprehensive immunization.
“The vaccination drive specifically targets children who have not yet received two doses of the measles vaccine, essential for full protection against the disease,” Binay explained. This initiative complements ongoing year-round vaccination programs that have significantly bolstered the city’s immunization rates.
Makati City has a strong history of successful immunization campaigns. Recently, the city conducted a School-Based Immunization (SBI) program, administering Measles-Rubella (MR) and Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccines to Grade 1 and Grade 7 students. Additionally, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines were given to female Grade 4 students in public schools.
The city also exceeded DOH targets in a previous vaccination activity, reaching 47,574 children with the Measles-Rubella vaccine and 36,506 children with the Polio vaccine during the MR-OPV-SIA conducted last year.
To facilitate the current vaccination campaign, all 18 health centers in Makati will serve as fixed vaccination posts, and an expanded house-to-house campaign will ensure broader access.
“No child in Makati should suffer from a preventable disease. I urge all parents and guardians to welcome our health workers and take advantage of this opportunity to protect their children,” Binay urged. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
