DOH investigates child deaths after measles-rubella vaccination Phase 3

The Department of Health (DOH) is investigating the reported deaths of children following the implementation of Phase 3 of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA).

In a statement, the DOH expressed its condolences to the loved ones of the children and assured the public that it was closely monitoring the cases.

The agency said it was coordinating with local government units and other government agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

"Nakikipag-ugnayan ang DOH sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang ahensya para sa masusing imbestigasyon sa mga naiulat na kaso," the DOH said.

(The DOH is coordinating with local government units and other agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the reported cases.)

As part of the investigation into Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI), the DOH said experts are reviewing the children's clinical records, vaccination history, laboratory test results, and other relevant information to determine the possible cause of each case.

"Binibigyang-diin ng DOH na ang hindi pangkaraniwang pangyayaring naganap matapos ang pagbabakuna ay hindi awtomatikong sanhi ng bakuna," the DOH said.

"Kailangan munang dumaan ang mga ganitong kaso sa masusing pagsusuri at imbestigasyon ng mga eksperto upang matukoy kung may kaugnayan sa pagbabakuna o kung may iba pang posibleng sanhi," it added.

"Hinihikayat ang publiko na iwasang gumawa ng mga konklusyon o magbahagi ng mga hindi beripikadong impormasyon habang nagpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon," the DOH said.

"Nanatiling ligtas at epektibo ang mga bakuna laban sa mga sakit na maaaring maiwasan sa pamamagitan ng pagbabakuna, kabilang ang tigdas at rubella," it added.

(The DOH emphasizes that an unusual event occurring after vaccination does not automatically mean that it was caused by the vaccine. Such cases must first undergo thorough assessment and investigation by experts to determine whether they are related to the vaccination or whether there are other possible causes. The public is urged to refrain from drawing conclusions or sharing unverified information while the investigation is ongoing. Vaccines remain safe and effective against vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and rubella. —NB, GMA News