DOH launches Chikiting Ligtas immunization program vs polio, rubella, measles

Department of Health officials launch Chikiting Ligtas, a vaccination program against Rubella, Polio, and Measles at a covered court in Consolacion town, northern Cebu. CDN Digital photo | May Rose Sagarino

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – The “Chikiting Ligtas” vaccination program against Rubella, Polio, and Measles, an activity campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) was launched at a covered court in Consolacion town, northern Cebu on Friday, January 29, 2021.

The Rubella, Polio, and Measles Supplemental Immunization Activity for children from 59 months old and below will be available for the entire month of February in the whole province of Cebu.

Dr. Jonathan Niel Erasco, chief of DOH-7’s Local Health Support Division, said they have a low accomplishment in terms of vaccination for regions 6,7, and 8 last 2018.

He added they are now targeting a 95 percent coverage throughout February for Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas.

Dr. Christina Giango, provincial health officer, said that because of the lockdown imposed last year, immunization in other towns was stopped

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said that aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, the national vaccination program was also affected because of the Dengvaxia controversy causing some parents to be anxious about having their kids vaccinated.

They are encouraging parents to let their children avail themselves of the free immunization. They added it is important that their children will be vaccinated as this will protect them from the aforementioned deadly viruses.

Parents can have their children inoculated at barangay health stations and rural health units. The vaccination program will run for the entire month of February.

Princess Calago, a parent of an 11-month old baby, said despite the COVID-19 situation she will have her child complete the immunization. /rcg