The Department of Health announced that more than one million children in the National Capital Region have received measles‑rubella vaccines as part of the recent supplemental immunization campaign.
Out of 1,200,428 children aged six to 59 months targeted for the program, 1,045,889 received the vaccine, yielding an 87.1% coverage rate. The count includes 6,100 children whose vaccinations were initially deferred or declined but were later administered.
Eight of Metro Manila’s 17 cities surpassed the 95% coverage threshold required for community protection. Those cities—Parañaque, Makati, Manila, Pasay, Navotas, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Quezon City—recorded the highest number of vaccinated children at 262,720.
Across the 1,715 barangays in the region, 1,092 (64%) achieved the recommended 95% coverage level.
Despite these successes, routine measles‑rubella immunization rates remain below the regional target, prompting the agency to advise parents not to rely solely on special campaigns for protection.
Routine coverage in the capital stands at 32.32% for the first dose and 32.57% for the second dose, both below the 54% target for May. Makati, Quezon City, and Pasig each reached at least 40% coverage, the highest rates nationwide.
The Department urged parents and guardians to bring children who missed routine schedules to their nearest health center, emphasizing that government vaccines are safe, effective, and free of charge.
Commitment was reaffirmed to collaborate with local government units and partners to enhance routine immunization coverage, ensuring every eligible child receives life‑saving vaccines.
