By Aila T. Villanueva and Ann Quilon

An infant clutches their parent’s hand, crying at the sight of the syringe. In seconds, the jab is over. Their parents pull them close while the nurse offers a reassuring smile.

This brief moment of fear secures a lifetime of protection for the child and lasting peace of mind for parents.

Reaching over 95% coverage in every community ensures that shielding one child ultimately improves protection for all children.

Campaign goals and health risks

The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with local government units (LGUs), launched Phase 3 of the nationwide Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) on August 10, 2026.

“Our goal is to protect children aged 6 to 59 months by offering an additional vaccine dose to boost existing immunity from their 9th- and 12th-month immunizations, while also providing a catch-up opportunity for those who missed earlier doses,” John Lee Gacusan, DOH Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Team Leader, explained.

The campaign targets two dangerous diseases:

• Measles: Highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets, it causes fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rashes. It can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation.
• Rubella: While mild in children, rubella infection during early pregnancy can cause miscarriage, fetal death, or Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which leads to serious birth defects.

When vaccination rates in a community are high, disease transmission is contained or minimized even if a child with measles enters the area. At the same time, unvaccinated children are protected because the spread of infection is limited.

“Children who cannot be vaccinated due to medical contraindications are also protected. That is why it is crucial for parents to have their children vaccinated so we can build herd immunity and prevent outbreaks,” he emphasized.

Progress and local performance

As of August 25, 2026, national vaccination coverage reached 83%.

Ilocos Norte emerged as the second best-performing province nationwide and the top performer in the Ilocos Region. Five of its municipalities have achieved or surpassed the 95% target: Currimao (102.57%), Carasi (102.1%), Dingras (99%), Marcos (95.7%), and Piddig (95.5%).

Overcoming challenges

Reaching every child remains a challenge due to online misinformation, parents being away during home visits, or preferences for private consultations.

To address these issues, the DOH continues to fact-check claims online, partner with the Philippine Pediatric Society and the Philippine Medical Association, and deploy local health workers directly to homes.

To accommodate working or busy parents:

• Health workers extend vaccination hours into the afternoon and conduct weekend sessions.
• Vaccination sites are established at Rural Health Units (RHUs), Municipal Health Offices (MHOs), and public spaces like malls.
• Parents who cannot be present may sign a consent form in advance.

Safety, eligibility, and side effects

Gacusan reassured parents that the vaccine is safe, effective, and prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Under the MR SIA guidelines:

• Eligibility: Children aged 6 to 59 months may receive the supplemental dose regardless of previous vaccination history, provided that a 28-day interval is observed from any recent measles-containing vaccine.
• Pre-Assessment: Health workers conduct a health assessment before administration. Children with mild coughs or colds may still be vaccinated, but those with high-grade fevers (38.5°C or higher) will have their vaccination postponed until they recover.
• Co-Administration: The MR vaccine may be safely administered alongside other routine childhood vaccines, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, as determined by health workers during assessment.
• Side Effects: Commonly observed reactions in Ilocos Norte have been mild and temporary, such as fever or rashes lasting one to two days, which reflect the body building immunity. Parents should report any concerning symptoms to their nearest RHU.

“Our primary priority as LGU health workers is still the safety of the children. As health workers, we took an oath to ‘first do no harm,’ so we will not administer medicines or vaccines that could harm anyone,” Gacusan assured.

Vaccination under the campaign is voluntary, but health officials strongly urge parents to participate before the MR-SIA campaign concludes on September 4, 2026.

Parents are encouraged to consult trusted healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, midwives, and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)—or visit official WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sources for accurate information.

The discomfort of the jab lasts only a few seconds, but the protection it provides secures a healthier and safer future for every child in Ilocos Norte. (CCMT/ATV/AGQ, PIA Ilocos Norte)