MANILA, (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) launched a supplemental immunization activity, bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine -Supplemental Immunization Activity (OPV-SIA), in Malabon City on April 15-16, targeting thousands of children aged 24 to 59 months.
Around 3,288 children received oral polio vaccines during the campaign's kick-off ceremony led by Mayor Jeannie Sandoval.
“Libre, ligtas at epektibo ang mga bakunang ito. Kaya naman mga parents, halina't pabakunahan ang inyong mga anak upang masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan,” Mayor Jeannie said.
(These vaccines are free, safe and effective. That's why parents, we encourage you to get your children vaccinated to ensure their safety.)
Health officials from the Philippine Red Cross, Malabon-Navotas Medical Society, and city departments participated in the event.
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval takes time to engage with the kids and their parents during the immunization activity. (Contributed photos)
Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that primarily affects young children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It can lead to paralysis and even death. However, polio is preventable through vaccination.
Citywide campaign
The OPV-SIA will continue until May 15 in various locations across Malabon City, including barangay health centers, malls, and public squares. Health workers will also conduct door-to-door vaccination drives.
Dr. Bernadette Bordador, Officer-in-Charge of the City Health Department (CHD), emphasized the importance of vaccination.
"Vaccines are proven to protect children from diseases," she said. "Let's keep our children safe."
The city government aims to vaccinate a total of 22,097 children during the campaign.
Earlier training
CHD personnel, including nurses, midwives, dentists, and encoders, underwent an orientation and workshop in April to ensure the program's smooth implementation.
This AP-style rewrite focuses on factual information and avoids unnecessary details. It condenses the information about the kick-off ceremony and emphasizes the broader campaign goals. (PIA-NCR)
