Anti-polio vaccination coverage lowest in Calabarzon

MANILA, Philippines — The ongoing anti-polio immunization campaign in the country remains low, according to the Department of Health.

DOH program manager for National Immunization Program Maria Wilda Silva said the national polio vaccination coverage reached only around 25 percent as of June 30, with Calabarzon posting the lowest at only 10 percent.

Metro Manila has the second lowest coverage at 15 percent.

Ilocos has the highest coverage with 42 percent, followed by Bicol with 40 percent.

Silva said the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of lockdowns affected the immunization drive.

The DOH is targeting an immunization coverage of 95 percent.