Health workers conduct house-to-house vaccinations in Parañaque as part of the Chikiting Ligtas Campaign. (Photo Courtesy: Metro Manila Center for Health Development) 

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) has issued safety protocols for health workers, particularly those conducting field work or house-to-house vaccinations amid the extreme heat across the nation.

As the health department further ramps up its immunization campaigns against vaccine-preventable diseases this World Immunization Week from April 24 to 30, health workers who are being mobilized are exposed to high heat that can cause heat-related illnesses such as: 

Heat cramps: These are muscle spasms that are often felt on the leg and stomach due to intense or strenuous activity in hot environments. The common symptoms of this illness include dizziness, fatigue, headache, and vomiting. 

Heat exhaustion: Heat cramps may lead to heat exhaustion that is also characterized by dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness, headache, and vomiting. This may also manifest through heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. 

Heat stroke: This is the most severe form of heat illness due to the inability of the body to control its temperature from overheating and is considered a medical emergency. It usually causes loss of consciousness, seizures, disorientation, and heart attack, among others. 

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa meanwhile stressed that heat-related illnesses can be prevented by enforcing safety protocols and performing proper first aid measures aside from continuously monitoring the heat index rate for proactive response. 

“Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Sa masugid na pagsubaybay sa heat index, maaagapan natin ang heat-related illness,” said Herbosa. 

(Heat-related illnesses are preventable. By continuously monitoring the heat index, we can prevent health-related illness.) 

Read:

Metro Manila logs highest temperature in history

According to the DOH, here are the guidelines for on-ground vaccination teams in case of heat-related emergencies: 

• Immediately inform the team leader about the condition of the concerned staff. 
• Assist the staff experiencing heat stress or illness in a shaded area to rest and cool down. 
• Apply an ice bag or a cold pack on the underarm and pulse of the affected staff as a temporary remedy. 

Meanwhile, to help prevent the occurrence of heat-related illnesses, the DOH advises the vaccination teams to consider the following recommended actions: 

1. Start the supportive supervision activity and house-to-house vaccination early to prevent heat exposure during the hottest time of the day. 
2. Wear light and comfortable clothes. 30 minutes before going outside, make sure to also apply sunscreen that has SPF 15 or above and re-apply every 2 hours for maximum protection. 
3. Wear a cap or use an umbrella to protect oneself from direct sunlight. 
4. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Do not wait to get thirsty before drinking water. 
5. Avoid consuming dehydrating drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda. 
6. Take intermittent rests in shaded areas to regain energy. It is also recommended to bring portable or hand-held fans during field work. 
7. Implement a buddy system to ensure that everyone can have access to immediate help in case of emergency. 

In line with the overarching goal of the World Immunization Week to benefit more children from the life-saving power of vaccines, the DOH is intensifying efforts to further expand the coverage of the Chikiting Ligtas Campaign. 

Chikiting Ligtas is a nationwide supplemental immunization activity which aims to increase the uptake of routine vaccines among children aged 0-59 months, specifically the measles rubella and bivalent oral polio vaccines (MR-OPV). 

“Outbreaks and vaccine stockouts are global concerns that need collective action. World Immunization Week is a time to be reminded of this,” Herbosa highlighted. 

“The DOH is committed to improve routine immunization coverage with the help of all community, national, regional, and global stakeholders. Everyone at every age should fully benefit from vaccines for their health and wellbeing,” he added. 

Various barangay health workers (BHWs) and volunteers are conducting house-to-house vaccinations around Metro Manila in close collaboration with local government units to vaccinate children against the potential threat of polio outbreak. 

Despite the health challenges brought by the extreme heat conditions, Barangay Health Workers’ Federation - National Capital Region President Myrna Gaite underscored the important role of local health workers and volunteers in achieving a healthier and safer community for all. 

"Vaccination remains our most potent tool in safeguarding the health of our communities. Together with BHWs all over the country, we will continue to promote awareness, provide assistance, and encourage everyone to avail themselves of this life-saving opportunity,” said Gaite, expressing the commitment of local health workers to aid in the establishment of healthier and safer communities. 

The “Chikiting Ligtas: ToDOH Bakuna, Todo Proteksyon Kontra Polio” intensified campaign will last until May 15. (JMP/PIA-NCR)