Agusan Sur intensifies fight against Measles-Rubella
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — A prominent Filipino public health official, infectious disease specialist, and former Department of Health (DOH) undersecretary, popularly known as the ‘dancing doctor’ for his innovative health advocacy, Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, visited the Provincial Public Information Office (PPIO) as a guest of the Department Information Officers (DIO) Hour, where he emphasized the importance of the Measles–Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) on January 20.
“Children are commonly and easily infected. Here in the Philippines, children less than 12 months old are already being infected with measles. That is why we vaccinate infants at nine months old and repeat the vaccination between 12 to 18 months,” Dr. Tayag explained.
“Remember that every child infected with measles can infect eight to ten other children. Measles is airborne, highly contagious, and children are the easiest targets,” he added.
Dr. Tayag also explained that although there are only a few recorded measles cases in the province—15 cases in Agusan del Sur—parents are still strongly encouraged to vaccinate their children and not wait for infection, as the vaccine is free and can save lives.
More than 5,600 children were vaccinated in Agusan del Sur on the first day of the MR-SIA launch, surpassing the daily target of over 4,000 vaccinations. The province aims to vaccinate a total of 77,000 eligible individuals.
“I congratulate the province of Agusan del Sur, but this is just the first day, and surely they will face challenges every day. The MR-SIA is not a door-to-door service and is conducted through fixed posts, where mothers should bring their children, such as in health centers,” Dr. Tayag said.
“I am thankful because the provincial, municipal, and barangay local government units are very active in informing the public and effectively encouraging mothers to bring their children to the fixed posts,” he added.
Dr. Tayag also encouraged mothers to regularly visit their health centers to avail themselves of other health services, not only during vaccination campaigns. Aside from the MR-SIA vaccine, children are also given vitamin A supplements.
Also present during the program was Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., who encouraged AgSurNons to actively participate in the vaccination drive at their respective barangay health centers.
“I encourage all parents and guardians of children aged six months to 59 months to have them vaccinated. It may be a little painful, but losing a child to measles is far more painful. Parents should not worry because vaccination is one of the best ways to protect children from measles,” Gov. Cane said.
“Leaving measles untreated is dangerous and can cost lives. The best way to prevent this is to bring children to vaccination centers and have them vaccinated to ensure healthy growth and protection from sickness. This service is free through the DOH and the national government, and we should take advantage of it, especially since only 77,000 vaccine doses are allocated for the province,” he added.
Dr. Tayag also assured the province that in case of vaccine shortages, reserve vials will be provided as needed.
Free MR vaccination is now available at fixed posts, such as in barangay health stations (BHS), every day until 4:00 PM. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PPIO-DIO Hour)
