NAGA CITY, Philippines — The city government is targeting 19,194 children aged 6 to 59 months for vaccination during the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) from August 10 to 28, based on the Department of Health’s projected target population for the city.
Mayor Leni Robredo appealed to parents to bring their children to the nearest barangay health center or designated vaccination site, stressing that measles and rubella are preventable through safe, and effective vaccines.
Robredo said there should be no room for complacency in protecting Naga’s children from vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly measles, which can cause serious complications and even death.
“There is no reason for any child in Naga to suffer from measles when a safe and effective vaccine is available,” the mayor said, urging families to take advantage of the free immunization campaign.
According to Dr. Ronnel Mejaro, National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator of the City Health Office 1, children should receive the supplemental measles-rubella vaccine even if they have already completed their routine immunization, as the additional dose strengthens protection and helps prevent outbreaks.
Eligible children will also receive Vitamin A supplementation, which boosts the immune system, supports healthy growth, promotes good vision, and helps keep the skin, lungs, intestines, and other body tissues healthy.
The City Health Office emphasized that protecting children from measles is a shared responsibility among parents, health workers, barangay officials, volunteers, and the local and national governments.
The Philippine Pediatric Society has expressed support for the nationwide campaign, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government has directed barangays to actively assist in informing families and encouraging them to participate.
City Health Office records show that Naga has recorded only a few suspected measles cases in recent years—two in 2021, two in 2022, three in 2023, four in 2024, one in 2025, and two suspected cases so far this year.
Health officials said these isolated cases did not develop into community outbreaks, underscoring the importance of sustained vaccination and disease surveillance. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have all eligible children vaccinated during the August 10–28 MR-SIA to help keep every child—and the entire community—protected. I via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head
