Mass immunization underway in Manila after water tests positive for poliovirus

A mass immunization program is being conducted by workers from the Smokey Mountain Health Center in Manila after one river in the city tested positive for Type 3 Poliovirus, according to Maki Pulido’s report for 24 Oras on Monday.

The target immunization coverage is 95 percent, which is why health officials will be going from house to house to administer immunization for two consecutive weeks.

“‘Pag mataas po ‘yung coverage at konti ‘yung hindi nabakunahan, itong konting ito, puwede silang maprotektahan kasi kokonti lang sila,” Dr. Evelyn Rimando from the Smokey Mountain Health Center said.

Along with the immunization program for kids is an information awareness campaign for parents.

“Simula nung nagkaroon ng issue ng Dengvaxia, ang hirap na mag-convince. So nakakataba ng puso na ngayon, mas approachable na sila,” nurse Jenny Descales said.

House-to-house immunizations are also being conducted in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Davao City, and Davao del Sur, after a child in Lanao del Sur contracted polio.

The Department of Health (DOH) is targeting Metro Manila and other regions for the next leg of its massive vaccination program.

The DOH has advised parents to regularly bring their children to health centers to receive free vaccines. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News