Central Visayas fails to reach immunization target

CEBU, Philippines — Central Visayas continues to lag in the “Fully Immunized Child” (FIC) target, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

That is why DR. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-7 director, called on stakeholders to promote immunization even within their respective families.

"As advocates of health, we must also live by example by promoting immunization within our own family and communities. By doing so, we build trust and reinforce the message that vaccines are safe, necessary, and life-saving," he said.

"Together, we can ensure that every child Has access to life-saving vaccines and a healthier future," he added.

According to DOH data, Region VII is just 65.68 percent FIC compliant, which is significantly below the target of 95 percent.

On DOH’s semi-annual FIC accomplishment report for provinces and highly urbanized cities (HUCs) of the region, only 29.32 percent have reached have reached a target, or an increase of just around five percent when compared to last year’s 24.29 percent.

This was revealed during the Regional Immunization Summit of DOH in Mandaue City, Cebu yesterday.

Dr. Faith Ranolo of the DOH Central Visayas Center for Health Development admitted Central Visayas is still far from reaching the target, with compliance in Bohol province at just 25.66 percent; Cebu province, 28.58 percent; Negros Oriental, 26.44 percent; and Siquijor, 25.42 percent.

Among the highly urbanized cities, Cebu City is at 32.34 percent; Lapu-Lapu City, 35.49 percent; and Mandaue City, 45.38 percent.

Ranolo elaborated on the importance of reaching the DOH's 95 percent target, stating that achieving this would provide children with immunity against diseases like measles and greatly lowers the chances of outbreaks.

“So again, for the accomplishment of region seven of the FIC right now, kudos to the team but we are still far away from 95 percent,” she said.

Ranolo, though, expressed optimism and encouraged continued efforts to increase the vaccination rate, stating, "We are hoping to reach the 95 percent goal.”

On the other hand, Supervising Health Program Officer of Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Romeo Catbagan, Jr. explained that the FIC program was intended to ensure essential protection for children against various life-threatening diseases.

FIC refers to a child who has received one dose of BCG for tuberculosis; three doses of Pentavalent vaccine for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hib, and Hepatitis B; three doses of OPV for protection against lifelong polio paralysis; and two doses of MCV that protects individuals against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease in 12 months old.

Meanwhile, Complete Immunized Children (CIC) indicates the number of children given catchup vaccinations after one-year-old.

“Dapat at 12 months ma-receive niya lahat ang vaccines na ito so we can call them fully immunized child. If the child doesn’t receive and then we catch up until 23 months we call them a completely immunized child,” Catbagan said.

Health authorities are, therefore, urging intensified efforts to boost immunization rates in the coming months.

In addition, key issues that are currently being addressed by the country’s “National Immunization Program” include inaccessibility of services, insufficient budget allocation, procurement issues, misinformation, lack of awareness, and poor health literacy in low-income communities.

The Regional Immunization Summit brought together local government units, public and private partners, stakeholders, and communities so together they can agree on ways to strengthen the national immunization program. — (FREEMAN)