Palace urges parents to allow children get vaccinated against measles

Malacañang on Thursday urged parents to avail of the measles vaccination program for their children despite the COVID-19 pandemic, saying there is nothing to fear about the vaccine.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier announced that it would conduct a national anti-measles vaccination program starting October 26 for children ages 9-59 months old.

“Ang mensahe po ng Presidente: Mga magulang huwag po nating katakutan ang bakuna,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

“Itong bakuna naman po sa measles, isa na ito sa pinakaluma at pinakamaagang ginagamit na natin. Bakit pa po natin i-expose sa aberya ang ating mga minamahal sa buhay na mga chikiting eh samantalang mayroon naman po tayong tried and proven na bakuna laban diyan,” he added.

The DOH said that the program stands to benefit around 2.4 million children under five years old who are susceptible to measles which can lead to complications such as pneumonia, ear infection, blindness, severe diarrhea, and swelling of the brain.

“Naiintindihan po namin ang takot ninyo sa panahon ng COVID-19 at dahil marami kasi talagang nagkalat ng lagim doon sa mga ibang mga bakuna. Pero itong measles naman po, matagal na pong ginagamit iyan so wala po kayong dapat ikatakot,” Roque said.

Aside from measles, the DOH will also conduct a polio supplemental immunization campaign starting on October 26.—AOL, GMA News