ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The City Government capped its observance of World Immunization Week 2025 with a powerful call to action: “MAGPABAKUNA: Bakuna sa Lahat, Kayang-Kaya!”.
The culmination activity, spearheaded by the City Health Office, serves as both a celebration of progress and a renewed commitment to boosting vaccination rates and safeguarding the health of every child in the community.
Highlighting the critical need to improve routine immunization coverage, especially in light of last year’s 73% Fully Immunized Child (FIC) rate, the event brings together key stakeholders, dedicated healthcare workers, and parents of infants aged 0-12 months.
The gathering provides an opportunity for on-site vaccinations, ensuring that eligible children receive their scheduled doses during the activity.
Ma. Chona Luna of the Rural Health Unit, underscored the importance of timely and complete vaccination.
“Ang mga sanggol or babies po natin ay may nakukuhang proteksyon laban sa mga sakit mula sa kanyang ina pagkapanganak, ngunit hindi ito sapat. Ang pagpapa-bakuna ay isang epektibo at mahalagang paraan upang makaiwas sa malubhang sakit na maaaring maging sanhi ng kapansanan o pagkamatay,” she said.
(Babies receive protection from their mothers after birth against diseases, but this is not sufficient. Vaccination is an effective and important way to prevent serious illnesses that can cause disability or death.)
Luna also added that one of the most common illnesses that babies are prone to is pneumonia.
“Para maiwasan ang mga sakit tulad ng pneumonia, kailangang ipa-bakuna si baby. Isa sa mga suggested vaccines natin para dito ay ang ‘pneumococcal conjugate’ o PCV upang protektahan at labanan ang sakit gaya ng pneumonia.”
(To prevent diseases like pneumonia, the baby needs to be vaccinated. One of our suggested vaccines for this is the ‘pneumococcal conjugate’ or PCV to protect and fight against illnesses like pneumonia.)
Going beyond routine vaccinations, the City Health Office is actively celebrating child health.
Gifts are distributed to children who receive their immunizations, turning a crucial health step into a positive and rewarding experience. This initiative underscores the vital protection vaccines offer while encouraging widespread participation.
The culmination activity is a testament to the city’s ongoing dedication to promoting child health and wellness. The city remains steadfast in its efforts to align with national and global goals, ensuring that every child has access to life-saving vaccines and is protected against preventable diseases. (EDT/LAU/PIA9-Basilan)
