The Philippine Medical Association and the Department of Health (DOH) will join forces to launch a new massive immunization campaign for children who failed to receive their required vaccinations because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dubbed “Chikiting Ligtas”, the vaccination drive, slated from May 30 to June 10, aims to protect children from various diseases such as polio and measles, which have been neglected amid the onslaught of the pandemic, PMA president Dr. Benny Atienza explained.
“At ang nangyari nga diyan, 5 out of 10 na bata ay hindi nabakunahan during Covid-19 pandemic at hinihikayat namin [sila] na sumali sa catch-up immunization,” Atienza said during a public briefing.
“Ano itong catch up immunization? [Ito] iyong mga bakuna na hindi naibigay sa kanila noon ay ibibigay sa mga health centers at tutulong diyan ang Philippine Medical Association.”
PMA would partner with the DOH for use of clinics and hospitals to administer the Covid-19 vaccines to children, Atienza said.
The DOH launched last year a catch-up vaccination drive for measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and human papilloma virus.
— Ronald Espartinez