By R. G. Antonet Go/PNA
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The City Health Office is set to conduct a measles immunization program in schools for children enrolled from kindergarten to Grade 6.
Corazon Pagotaisidro, local health immunization program coordinator, said Tuesday the target are children who remain not immunized due to the refusal of the parents brought about by the Dengvaxia scare.
Meanwhile, Pagotaisidro said that several parents are now beginning to realize the importance of immunizing their children after the initial apprehension with the Dengvaxia issue.
“This time, we have noted that there are parents who voluntarily visited the health centers to have their children immunized against measles,” she said.
She said that the declaration of measles outbreak in other regions has also changed the minds of hesitant parents.
She disclosed that there were 23 cases of measles recorded in this city from January to February 14 this year.
Pagotaisidro said they will also conduct immunization drive at the east wing of KCC Mall de Zamboanga for children and “interested” adults.
Measles is a highly communicable viral illness transmitted to direct contact with nasal or throat secretion of an infected person or by articles freshly soiled with nose and throat secretion.
The only way to prevent the disease is through vaccination and have a strong herd immunity from the community.
