PRC exceeds anti-polio vaccination target in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has vaccinated more than 90,000 children against polio in Mindanao since last week.

The PRC said it exceeded its target of 60,000 children aged zero to five in line with the Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio of the Department of Health. The vaccination program, which started on Jan. 20, is until Feb. 2.

The anti-polio immunization drive in Metro Manila, which started yesterday, is until Feb. 7.

“As expected, the numbers exceeded anew. PRC wants your children to be safe. Vaccine is the most effective way to prevent polio since there are new cases recorded by the Department of Health,” Senator Richard Gordon, PRC chairman, said.

Prior to the launch of the third round of the vaccination drive, the PRC conducted a polio outbreak response meeting and planning in Davao City to formulate new strategies and interventions after four new cases were reported.

There are now 16 polio cases since the disease reemerged in the country after 19 years.

A two-year-old boy from Sultan Kudarat, two children in Maguindanao and a three-year-old boy from Quezon City recently tested positive for polio.