UNICEF urges parents, caregivers to vaccinate their children amid measles outbreak

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) called on parents and caregivers to have their children vaccinated after the Department of Health (DOH) declared a measles outbreak in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon and the Visayas earlier in the week.

"We call on parents and caregivers to bring their children to the nearest health center to have their children vaccinated and ensure that they receive at least 2 doses of measles containing vaccine," UNICEF said in a Friday statement.

"Children with severe symptoms should see a barangay health worker or midwife as soon as possible, however to prevent spreading the infection at the health facility, children without severe symptoms may be better taken care of at home."

UNICEF fully supported the Philippine government's attempt to ensure that vaccines were available, and that technical assistance would be provided to improve the coverage of routine immunization and supplemental immunization activities.

The UN organization said it was alarmed by the "unacceptable" reports of the rising cases of measles and measles deaths in children, citing reports from the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO) which said there were more than 20,000 reported measles cases in the country as of December 2018.

UNICEF also emphasized that the measles vaccine is "safe and effective" for children.

"Vaccinations to prevent measles is available free of cost in government health centers. The measles vaccine is safe and effective and had been successfully used in the Philippines for more than 40 years now. Measles in children is deadly and can cause long-term complications and disabilities which can seriously impede development and potential in our children," said UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative Julia Rees.

The organization urged local leaders to intensify their immunization activities in their respective localities and jurisdictions. The government was also called on to mobilize health workers, and disseminate the right information and address any fears and mistrust of vaccines. 

The DOH reported a 550 percent increase in measles patients from January 1 to February 6 this year compared to the same period last year.

The DOH took note that there had been a drop in measles immunization coverage due to the decline of  public confidence in the government's vaccination program following the controversy over the Dengvaxia vaccine.

Despite these recent developments, the government was unlikely to implement mandatory vaccinations, arguing that such a move might be questioned in the courts. — Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA News