A total of 186,376 children in the Ilocos Region have been immunized against measles and rubella as of Aug. 23, according to the regional office of the Department of Health (DOH-1).

Of the total, 25,184 are children aged 6 to 12 months, 34,733 are 13 to 23 months, and 126,459 are 24 to 59 months.

The overall vaccination rate for the entire region is 41.9 percent.

Ilocos Norte has vaccinated 31,941 or 74.9 percent of its target; Ilocos Sur, 31,218 or 64.1 percent; La Union, 30,761 or 49.2 percent; Pangasinan, 87,497 or 31.8 percent; and Dagupan City, 4,959 or 32.2 percent.

Three local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Norte have surpassed their 95 percent vaccination target. These are Carasi with a 100 percent vaccination rate, Currimao at 96.5 percent and Dingras at 95.6 percent.

DOH-1 Director Helen Tobias, in a Tuesday statement, thanked the LGUs, frontline healthcare workers, and community volunteers who made the 95 percent achievement possible.

“A heartfelt salute and thanks to the health workers! Despite heavy rainfall, flooding, and travel challenges, you persevered to deliver the Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity and Vitamin A Supplementation to the communities,” she said.

She encouraged parents and guardians of children aged 6 to 59 months to ensure their children receive vaccination, reiterating that vaccines are safe, effective and free.

Parents and guardians of unvaccinated children are urged to visit their local health units or designated vaccination sites before the campaign ends Aug. 28. (PNA)