The Department of Health has started the second round of “Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio”, a supplemental door-to-door immunization campaign to prevent the spread of the virus in the provinces of Laguna, Rizal and Cavite and protect the vulnerable children from the consequence of polio recirculation.
“The second round of immunization activity will ensure full protection of children against the polio virus and expected to improve the immunization coverage by providing all children under five years old with free doses of oral polio vaccine,” Regional Eduardo C. Janairo stated.
“Administering multiple doses of OPV to children has been proven safe and effective in preventing the transmission of the virus. Kailangang magkaroon ng full vaccination ang isang bata, ibig sabihin dapat mayroon siyang four doses ng polio vaccine upang magkaroon sya ng full protection,” he emphasized.
The DOH recommends that children must get one dose at each of the following ages – 2 months old, 4 months old, 6 through 18 months old and 4 through 6 years old.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a deadly crippling disease caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis
Janairo reminded parents of children 0-59 months old to make sure their children are vaccinated against polio.
“Ipabakuna po natin ang ating mga anak sa ating mga bakuna doors na magbabahay-bahay . Huwag po kayong matakot sa bakuna dahil ito po ay ligtas at epektibong panlaban sa polio,” Janairo said.