ILOILO – The Iloilo City Health Office is preparing to vaccinate nearly 41,000 young children against measles and rubella starting on August 10, 2026. The campaign, which runs until August 28, aims to reach at least 95 percent of eligible toddlers to close dangerous immunity gaps that have widened since the last mass immunization drive.
A Race to Protect 41,000 Young Children
The Department of Health’s supplemental immunization activity covers 40,973 children aged six to 59 months. National Immunization Program Coordinator Mayette Gabanto said the city is determined to hit the 95 percent target after past efforts fell short. In the 2023 campaign, only 73.89 percent of the target children received the vaccine, leaving thousands vulnerable to highly contagious diseases.
Measles and rubella spread rapidly among unvaccinated communities and can cause severe complications. Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and death, while rubella contracted during pregnancy may result in babies born with heart defects, blindness, or deafness. Health authorities will also administer vitamin A drops alongside the vaccine to strengthen children’s immunity and reduce the risk of severe illness.
Fixed Posts Replace House-to-House for Safety
Instead of going door-to-door, the city will set up temporary fixed vaccination sites in barangays to ensure proper vaccine handling and crowd management. Barangay health workers have been instructed to gather families in designated areas, where 118 trained vaccinators will be on duty. The approach eliminates the logistical challenges of mobile teams while keeping the vaccines at safe temperatures.
The kickoff ceremony will take place at the Talatapan Child Development Center at Iloilo City Hall, symbolizing the local government’s full backing. Parents are encouraged to bring their children regardless of previous immunization history, as the supplemental shots add extra protection. The campaign is entirely free, removing cost as a barrier to access.
Combating Vaccine Fears with Facts
Vaccine hesitancy remains a major obstacle, fueled by misinformation on social media. Gabanto acknowledged that health workers continue to strengthen advocacy by assuring parents that vaccines are safe and scientifically proven. Local officials have launched a “Facts Over Fear” campaign, urging families to trust medical experts rather than online rumors.
The rising number of cases in Western Visayas has added urgency. The region recorded a 41 percent spike in suspected measles-rubella cases in 2025, with Iloilo Province alone logging 291 cases. Without high vaccination coverage, the virus can circulate freely, endangering children who are too young or medically unable to receive the shots.
Why Measles and Rubella Remain a Threat
Both diseases are highly infectious and can have lifelong consequences. A single measles patient can infect up to 18 unprotected people, making outbreaks difficult to contain. Infants under six months rely on community immunity because they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
The World Health Organization recommends 95 percent vaccination coverage to stop transmission, a threshold Iloilo City is now racing to achieve. The city’s 2023 performance of only 74 percent left thousands of children without adequate protection, creating pockets where the virus could resurge. This year’s fixed-post strategy and community mobilization are designed to close that gap decisively.
Free Shots and Vitamin A for All
Parents can bring their children to the nearest designated site between August 10 and 28, with no paperwork or prior appointments needed. The vaccine is administered as a quick injection, followed by a dose of vitamin A syrup to boost the child’s overall health. The city health office emphasized that even children who have already received routine immunizations should participate to ensure maximum community protection.
