ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 16 (PIA) – The Department of Health-9 (DOH-9) reports 60% coverage on Measles Rubella immunization and 68% coverage on bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine in Zamboanga Peninsula as of May 15, 2023.
For Measles Rubella coverage, there are already 223,654 immunized children out of 374,081 total target population, while for Oral Polio, there are 40,640 immunized children out of 59,338 total target population. DOH-9 targets 95% of children immunized in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Dr. Joshua Brillantes, regional director of DOH-9 emphasized there is a possibility of the completion of target coverage in ZamPen before the end of the month because of the hard work of all health workers and the support from the community.
“We are grateful to all our health care workers for doing their best in assuring that all children will be immunized,” Dr. Brillantes said.
Other reports have noted that some communities refused to have their children get immunized due to religious beliefs. However, DOH, in coordination with the local government units, continuously advocate and encourage the public to avail the immunization of the government.
Dr. Brillantes highlighted that even if there are reports of hesitancy, the percentage of hesitancy rate will not reach one percent of the population and will not affect the target coverage in the region.
“We are grateful to all our health care workers for doing their best in assuring that all children will be immunized,” Dr. Brillantes said.
Other reports have noted that some communities refused to have their children get immunized due to religious beliefs. However, DOH, in coordination with the local government units, continuously advocate and encourage the public to avail the immunization of the government.
Dr. Brillantes highlighted that even if there are reports of hesitancy, the percentage of hesitancy rate will not reach one percent of the population and will not affect the target coverage in the region.
