With the launch of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), the Department of Health in Caraga (DOH-13) said it is eyeing a 95-percent immunization coverage for children nine months to 59-months-old.

DOH-13 head Jose Llacuna Jr. said Tuesday the month-long supplemental immunization will end on November 25 for the campaign’s phase 1, which seeks to protect children from the highly contagious rubella measles.

“Rubella is a contagious type of measles that causes a congenital disorder, worst, may lead to death,” Llacuna warned, adding that vaccination remains the most preventive measure for any disease.

Vaccination, he said, will increase the immunity level of the children to fight the measles virus and other diseases.

“Our vaccination will be done in fixed posts wherein the health workers will no longer conduct a house-to-house immunization,” Llacuna said, asking parents to inform the health workers if their children have pre-existing conditions before vaccinating them.

Monday’s launch of the MR-SIA vaccination in barangays Pigdaulan and Dumalagan here also saw the agency starting its HPV vaccination campaign for female children ages 9-14 in the region.

DOH-13 said HPV vaccination prevents cervical cancer, which is considered one of the main causes of premature death among mothers. (PNA)