Immunization program may be extended in storm-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - The supplemental immunization campaign will end today, but it may be extended in areas devastated by Tropical Storm Mario.

Health Undersecretary Janette Garin said they are waiting for recommendations from their field personnel, who will identify areas for the extension.

“We can extend only in areas hit by flooding, but that will only be for two to three days,” Garin said during a forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Healthcare Association of the Philippines over the weekend.

She said children who missed the month-long immunization campaign against measles, rubella and polio could still avail of the free vaccines from the barangay health centers today.