Aug. 10 vaccination drive: Dr. Tandingan urges Kalinga parents to bring kids for MR-SIA

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edward B. Tandingan urged parents, caregivers, grandparents, and other family members in Kalinga to bring eligible children to vaccination sites as the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) implements the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA).

The MR-SIA, which started on August 10 and will run until August 28, 2026, targets children aged six months to 59 months as part of the DOH's efforts to strengthen protection against measles and rubella among young children.

During the flag-raising ceremony at the Kalinga Provincial Capitol in Bulanao on August 10, Tandingan called on families and communities to help ensure that children within the target age group receive the supplemental vaccination.

“Ang aming pakiusap sa lahat ay magtulong tulong tayo na yayahin lahat ng mga parents tsaka mga caregivers, mga lolo, lola para dalhin yung mga bata na may edad na anim na buwan hanggang limamput siyam buwan para sa MR-SIA,” Tandingan said.

According to the DOH, measles, commonly known as tigdas, is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus. It primarily affects children and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

The disease spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes and may also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces.

Based on DOH-CAR data, the Cordillera Administrative Region recorded 76 measles-rubella cases from January 1 to July 18, 2026, representing a 40 percent decrease from the 127 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.

Despite the decline, DOH-CAR continues to encourage parents and guardians to have eligible children vaccinated to sustain the downward trend and prevent a resurgence of measles and rubella cases.

The regional health office is implementing the MR-SIA from August 10 to 28, targeting children aged six months to 59 months across the Cordillera provinces.

The supplemental immunization campaign aims to provide additional protection to eligible children and help address gaps in routine immunization coverage.

Tandingan and other health officials called on parents and guardians to cooperate with health workers and bring eligible children to their nearest health centers or designated vaccination sites during the campaign.

They also urged grandparents, caregivers, and other family members to help inform parents about the campaign and encourage them to have their eligible children vaccinated.

Health authorities emphasized that community participation remains crucial in protecting children from measles and rubella and preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.