THE CITY Health Office (CHO) expects a 95% accomplishment rate of the 40,545 infants and young children targeted for routine immunization this year.
Dr Annaliza Malubay, CHO national immunization program medical coordinator, shared in an interview that they hit 59% of the 40,169 target in 2024.
She added that for the school based, the number of adolescents was around 30,000 but only 47% were vaccinated.
This year, parents whose children are enrolled at private schools will be invited to avail of the vaccinations. Next year, CHO plans to include private schools in the school-based section.
Malubay said this year, they engaged the purok leaders on top of the outreach programs and default tracking to monitor the children’s immunization.
According to UNICEF Philippines, routine immunization coverage for children must be at least 95% since vaccines are provided free by the government in public health centers and facilities.
Malubay said the CHO will conduct activities in celebration of the World Immunization Week, such as vaccinations at NCCC Victoria Plaza from April 28 to May 3.
Vaccinations will include measles and rubella (MR), and tetanus and diphtheria.
Other activities will also be held at Gaisano Grand Toril on April 28, NCCC Buhangin on April 30, and SM Ecoland on May 2.
