DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region yesterday continued the celebration of the “World Immunization Week” at the RJGS Sports and Civic Complex of Binalonan, Pangasinan as it highlights the successful coverage of the local government unit for achieving a 98 percent fully immunized child (FIC) vaccination coverage in 2024 and immunizing a total of 995 children.
“To be considered as fully immunized, a child must receive the following vaccines by the time they reach one year old including one dose of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine; three doses of the Pentavalent Vaccine, which includes Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT), Haemophilus influenzae Type B and Hepatitis B; three doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV); and two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.”
“At isa ang Binalonan sa nakagawa nito sa buong Ilocos region. And I encourage all LGUs also to do the same in their localities for us to achieve our target of 95 percent FIC for the health and security of our children. Ang pagbabakuna ay hindi lamang isang gawain sa isang partikular na buwan, ito ay isang patuloy na pangako sa kalusugan at kapakanan ng ating mga anak at ng buong komunidad”, Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated.
According to the 2024 Regional Immunization Report for the Fully Immunized Child, the province of Ilocos Sur has a total of 102.15 percent accomplishment (10,885 FIC out of the 10,656 target) followed by Ilocos Norte with 90.93 percent (8,720 FIC out of the 9,590 target), Norte Immunization Coverage Report, Pangasinan with 71.47 percent (47,031 out of the 65,801 target and La Union with 67.53 percent FICs (9,851 out of the 14,588 target) and).
Dagupan City recorded 50.22 percent (1,831 FICs out of the 3,646 target).
According to Regional Immunization Coordinator John Paul A. Aquino, the continuation of immunization week will cover all life stages, encompassing a life course approach, for children aged 0 to 23 months, Grade 1 and 7 school learners, women aged 9 to 14, pregnant mothers, and senior citizens.
“We need to protect our population against vaccine-preventable diseases, and it can only be achieved by giving them the essential vaccines they need,” he emphasized.
Aquino also assured that there is enough supply to vaccinate the target individuals and reiterated that all these are safe, effective, and free of charge.
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