PALO, Leyte – The barangay nutrition scholars take part in assisting the mass vaccination starting February 1, 2021 during the month-long supplemental immunization campaign targeting children between zero and nine-months and below five years old for measles-rubella and oral polio vaccines, respectively.
The barangay nutrition scholars inform the community about the schedule of the immunization and assist the health workers in the vaccination.
As of February, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported that 56 percent of the target population were inoculated in the first two weeks of the immunization campaign against measles-rubella and polio in Eastern Visayas.
In its latest bulletin issued on Tuesday, the month-long vaccination program, which started on Feb. 1, has already covered 260,599 children between nine to 59 months and 302,488 zero to 59 months for measles-rubella and oral polio vaccines, respectively.
The region is part of the second phase of the nationwide campaign including the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas.
The DOH said the supplemental immunization activity in the region targets to cover a total of 535,657 infants and children up to 59 months and 458,763 children between nine to 59-months.
To ensure that health protocols against Covid-19 are properly observed, the DOH has been conducting the activity in fixed and temporary vaccination posts.
Identified fixed posts in the region are health centers, while the temporary posts manned by mobile vaccination teams include school grounds, community centers, basketball courts, and other open spaces were BNSs prepare for its use.
The DOH also assured the public that the vaccines used in the government's immunization program are recommended by the World Health Organization and approved by the Food and Drugs Administration.
Hazel Catindoy, 32, a resident of Pago village in Tanauan, Leyte said she had her 2-year-old son vaccinated without hesitation since it is proven safe and effective.
"We want the best for our children and getting sick and hospitalized these days is difficult as we are in the middle of a pandemic," she said in an interview, urging other parents to also support the program. G. Sabalza/ NASLabordo
