4 Rizal towns gear up for measles-rubella vax drive

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Health authorities in four municipalities in Rizal province have intensified preparations for the upcoming vaccination campaign against measles and rubella, aiming to ensure the success of the government’s immunization drive in August.

The Department of Health (DOH)-Calabarzon Health Education and Promotion Unit said in a report on Thursday that barangay officials, health workers, and provincial board members from Antipolo City, Angono, Baras, and Cainta towns recently held a coordination meeting in preparation for the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) with Vitamin A Supplementation.

“The meeting aimed to strengthen the dissemination of accurate information about measles and rubella vaccination through discussions supporting the implementation of the immunization campaign,” the DOH-Calabarzon said.

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READ: Measles, rubella cases in PH rise 45% — DOH

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The report added that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region IV-A urged local officials to use their influence in encouraging residents to have their children vaccinated and to educate communities about the serious complications of measles, including encephalitis (brain inflammation), pneumonia, ear infections, and even death.

The Phase III rollout of the MR SIA is scheduled from Aug. 10 to 28.

Measles is caused by the rubeola virus; rubella, the rubella virus. Both diseases are highly contagious but can be effectively prevented through vaccination.

According to DOH data as of April, the country recorded 1,627 measles and rubella cases from Jan. 4 to March 21 this year, a 45-percent increase from the 1,121 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

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The DOH also reported that 66 percent of the country’s eligible population has been vaccinated against measles and rubella, leaving about 821,000 eligible individuals still unvaccinated.

“Measles-Rubella vaccines are proven safe and effective. They provide the best protection against the viruses and their potentially deadly complications,” the DOH said./coa

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