DOH conducts massive measles vaccination drive in Ilocos Norte

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—Health personnel from the Department of Health are making rounds in various schools and local communities in the province to conduct massive vaccination particularly among athletes participating in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet.

For the safety of participants, Ilocos Norte’s hosting of the R1AA has been moved to March 6-11, 2019 instead of March 3-8 to give time for the athletes to be vaccinated against measles first.

In a press conference held at the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte on February 28, 2019, Dr. Edwin Monis, medical officer V of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Region 1 and area supervisor for measles outbreak response team for Ilocos Norte said Region 1 has already recorded a total of 536 cases of measles with the most number, or 456 cases with 14 deaths in Pangasinan, 45 in La Union, 22 in Ilocos Sur and 13 in Ilocos Norte.

To boost the immunity of the community, the DOH has deployed teams in various parts of the province for the immunization drive.

On February 26, 2019, around 200 athletes both from the elementary and secondary levels were given vaccination with the consent of their parents. Other schools will follow suit this afternoon or until all the concerned athletes will be saturated.

“Our priority for now are the athletes as we also have installed measles fast lanes in all DOH hospitals,” said Mr. Monis as he urged all parents to have their children vaccinated for their protection from the highly-contagious disease caused by a virus.

To date, the DOH along with other government agencies has been on the forefront of the immunization campaign due to the alarming increase in measles-rubella cases in the country.

Its signs and symptoms include cough, runny nose, red eyes or conjunctivitis, fever and skin rashes lasting for more than three days.

On February 26, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos wrote a letter address to Dr. Valeriano Jesus V. Lopez, director IV of the Department of Health in Region 1 for the possible postponement of the R1AA and ensure the safety of the Ilocano youth and the local communities who may be affected in case of measles outbreak.

Considering the number of reported cases, Dr. Rheuel Bobis, medical officer III of DOH Region 1 said getting the vaccine is the best to fight the disease.

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