QUEZON City (QC) Mayor Joy Belmonte has urged parents to immunize their children to protect them from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), such as measles, rubella, and polio.

Belmonte made the call after the city health implemented a city-wide vaccination called the “Chikiting Ligtas” vaccination program of the Department of Health (DOH) in Barangay Bahay Toro.

The health workers strategically set up temporary vaccination posts in markets and covered courts to further intensify immunization activity.

They also conducted house-to-house inoculation activities for children in the most remote corners of the communities.

“Bakuna ang pinakamabisa at pinakamatipid na paraan para maprotektahan ang ating mga anak. Kaya bawat eskinita at kalye sa ating lungsod ay sinusuyod ng ating mga health worker para masiguro na bawat bata ay bakunado at protektado mula sa mga vaccine-preventable diseases,” Belmonte said.

The mayor disclosed that the city aims to vaccinate 230,347 children ages five years and below (0 to 59 months) with the measles vaccine and 270,977 kids (0 to 59 months) with the oral polio vaccine this month.

Parents are also encouraged to bring their children to the nearest health center to get free immunization shots.

“Kahit matatapos na itong Chikiting Ligtas vaccination activity ngayong Mayo, hindi titigil ang lokal na pamahalaan para bakunahan at protektahan ang ating mga anak mula sa mga sakit na puwede namang maiwasan sa tulong ng mga bakuna,” the mayor added.

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Cory Martinez