The Dengvaxia Controversy last November 2017 posted a significant effect in having the children properly vaccinated, thus debilitated the 1976 Expanded Program in Immunization which includes six vaccine preventable diseases including TB, poliomyelitis, diptheria, tetanus, pertusis, and measles.
The vaccination controversy got out of hand and causes the public to distrust the governement for parents/guardians having their children immunized. This led to decreased in immunized infants, and children, hence measles outbreak had been reported.Cases of measles has surge from 2017 to 2018 by about 550 per cent above the normal average as per DOH and validated death from CALABARZON as of 26 of January , 2019 was 575 cases with 9 deaths, NCR 441 with 5 deaths, Region 3 , 192 cases and 3 deaths, Region 7 with 71 cases and 1 death.Health Secretary Franciso Duque III stated “ We are expanding the outbreak ffrom Metro Manila to the other regions as cases have increased in the past weeks and to strenghthen the surveillance, new cases and alert mothers and caregivers to be more vigilant.” (CDC) measles is a higly contagiuos virus and can spread through cioughing and sneezing. The virus can live for up to two hours in airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed . It typically begings with high fever ,cough, runny nose ( coryza) , and red , watery eyes ( conjuctivitis), and rash breaks out 3-5 days after symptoms begin.Common complications include ear infection and diarrhea with pneumonia ( lung infection ) as severe complications. Premature and low birth weight babies was noted to pregnant women who are infected by the virus.DOH included prevention Startegies through reaching Every Barangay (REB) and aimed to improve the access to routine immunizations and reduce drop –outs. DOH officially launched the National Ligtas Tigdas Supplemental Immunization Activiy (SIA). Secretary Duque III ensures the public tht measles vaccine is safe. The SIA targets infants and children 6-59 months with measles containing vaccine regardless of immunization status. Children with measles must be given proper nutrition adding Vitamin A and having them hydrated thus increasing body resistance.
DOH is commited in protecting the health of the public by proper and up to date immunization.The incident now boils down to the public wether they will entrust their health again to the government.
By: Mrs. Gale Frances B. Fernandez | Nurse II
