DOH: 1M NCR children vaccinated vs measles-rubella

File photo of child vaccination. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has vaccinated over one million children aged 6 to 59 months against measles-rubella in the National Capital Region (NCR), obtaining an 87.1% vaccination coverage, the agency said on Tuesday. The DOH said it recently concluded its Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity. The agency kicked off its supplemental immunization activity last January in Mindanao. READ: DOH eyeing to vaccinate 11 million Filipino children vs measles Article continues after this advertisement “As of the end of the campaign on June 30, 2026, NCR achieved an 87.1% vaccination coverage, with 1,045,889 of the targeted 1,200,428 children aged 6 to 59 months receiving the measles-rubella vaccine,” the DOH said in a press release. “The total also includes 6,100 children whose vaccinations were initially deferred or declined but who were eventually vaccinated, reflecting the success of continued engagement with parents and communities,” the DOH added. The agency noted that Parañaque, Makati, Manila, Pasay, Navotas, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Quezon City surpassed the 95% coverage target for providing protection among communities, with Quezon City recording the highest number of vaccinated children at 262,720. It added that 1,092 of 1,715 barangays (64%) in Metro Manila achieved the recommended 95% vaccination coverage. The DOH then emphasized the importance of routine childhood immunization as it “remains the best way to ensure children are fully protected as they grow.” It cited that as of May 2026, the NCR leads among all regions in routine measles-rubella vaccination, with 32.32% coverage for the first dose and 32.57% for the second dose. It also said that Quezon City, Pasig, and Makati logged at least 40% coverage, which was “the highest” across the country. Article continues after this advertisement “However, these accomplishments are still below the regional target of 54% for May, meaning many children have yet to receive their scheduled vaccinations,” the DOH pointed out. With this, it called on the parents and guardians with children who missed their routine immunization to visit the nearest health centers. It added that it will continue to coordinate with local government units and partners to ensure that Filipino children are well protected against measles-rubella. Article continues after this advertisement “Vaccines provided through the government’s National Immunization Program are safe, effective, and available free of charge,” it added. /mr Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.