Children receive Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio vaccines during the launching of the Chikiting Ligtas Supplemental Immunization Activity at SM City Marikina in Marikina City on May 2, 2023. INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said it recorded 1,185 cases of measles in the country from January 1 to March 15, “27 percent higher” than the 930 cases reported during the same period in 2024.
On a Facebook post, the DOH also said the highest cases were recorded in the National Capital Region (295 cases); Central Luzon (150 cases); and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) (144 cases).
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The DOH reminded parents to have their children vaccinated against measles because 802 cases, or 68% of the total cases, were unvaccinated or received incomplete doses.
“If many children remain unvaccinated, it means the threat of measles is also increasing. That is why the DOH is once again urging parents to ensure their children receive the measles vaccine,” it added.
The agency said under its immunization program, children aged 9 months are given the first vaccine dose, while the second dose is given when they are aged 12 months.
READ: DOH immunizes over 640,000 kids against measles
Children aged 13-59 months with incomplete vaccine doses are eligible for a catch-up immunization program.
DOH previously said that vaccination is important to prevent complications such as pneumonia, brain infection, and death, especially among children under five years old.