Baguio health officials are urging the public to take advantage of the government’s free vaccines for measles and Japanese encephalitis, particularly in light of the steep increase in measles in the city.
“Please avail of the mass immunization campaign because it is the only way we can protect our children from the serious effects of the infectious disease,” city health services office (CHSO) chief, Dr. Rowena Galpo said.
Through March 9, health officials have reported 170 measles cases compared to four during the same period last year–a whopping 4000 percent increase.
The government provides vaccines for measles and Japanese encephalitis for free to children aged six to 59 months and nine to 59 months, respectively.
Philippines: Japanese Encephalitis vaccination drive in Cordillera Administrative Region
The Philippines has reported 21,396 measles cases and 315 deaths as of Mar. 14.
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in northern Luzon, Philippines saw 24 laboratory-confirmed Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in 2018 after reporting 36 the three prior years combined.
