THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region will have a final push against preventable childhood diseases, officially extending the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) Phase III until September 4, 2026.
The extension aims to close the immunity gap, track down unvaccinated children, and hit the mandatory 95% herd immunity threshold required to prevent a regional measles outbreak.
As of August 26, 2026, a total of 52.2% (231,879) were vaccinated. For infants (6–12 months), a total of 53.4% coverage (30,778 vaccinated), toddlers (13–23 months) with 47.6% coverage (42,969 vaccinated) and preschoolers (24–59 months) with 53.3% (158,132 vaccinated).
Alongside the vaccines, the region has successfully distributed free Vitamin A oral drops to 199,978 children to combat deficiency and strengthen overall immunity.
There are still 212,633 children yet to be vaccinated and this massive gap leaves the region highly vulnerable to a preventable outbreak, making the extended ‘mop-up’ operations a critical race against time.
Regional Director Helen D. Tobias issued an urgent, impassioned appeal to parents, guardians, and local leaders to treat this extension as a matter of immediate priority.
“This extension is our final line of defense to shield our children from the lifelong consequences of measles and rubella. Sa mga magulang at guardians ng mga batang 6 months hanggang 59 months, pumunta na sa inyong mga health centers o sa pinakamalapit na vaccination site at pabakunahan ang inyong anak.”
“Protektahan ang kinabukasan at kalusugan ng inyong mga anak. Pabakunahan natin sila laban sa measles at rubella.”
Vaccination teams will spend the next week conducting aggressive mop-up operations, searching for missed children, and ensuring no household is left vulnerable. Free vaccinations are available daily at all local municipal health centers.
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