CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- A total of 800 eligible infants from the province of Pampanga received routine and catch-up immunization against polio, tetanus, measles, and hepatitis B. 

This is part of the Department of Health’s intensified advocacy against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in order to create healthier and more resilient communities. 

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire emphasized that the activity aims to ensure that all eligible individuals receive the necessary vaccines, thereby contributing to the overall goal of reducing morbidity and mortality rates due to VPDs.

"Our objective is to bring health services to our kababayans…I hope this will not be a one-time event, but a start of a strong commitment with parents and guardians to submit their children for vaccination during their schedule. Clearly, vaccines are safe and effective as we are now celebrating 50 years of protection against vaccine preventable diseases,” she emphasized. 

This is aligned with the agency’s 8-Point Action Agenda, specifically Agenda 2: Ligtas, dekalidad, at mapagkalingang serbisyo, and Agenda 5: Pag-iwas sa sakit which focus on the importance of immunization and promote vaccination as a key strategy in preventing diseases, increasing immunization coverage, and supporting global immunization goals. 

It also highlighted the crucial role of the media in providing correct and accurate data and information on the spread and treatment of VPDs, fostering open dialogue, and encouraging community engagement. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)