Tabuk City, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba has urged parents and guardians to bring their children to the upcoming Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) this August, stressing that vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect children from the highly contagious diseases.
Measles and rubella are vaccine-preventable viral diseases that commonly cause fever and rashes. Although they share similar symptoms and are often confused, they are caused by different viruses. Measles is generally more severe and can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness, disability, and even death, while rubella poses serious risks to pregnant women and their unborn babies.
In a video posted by the Department of Health-Cordillera (DOH-CAR), Edduba appealed to parents and guardians to have their children vaccinated, emphasizing that delaying immunization puts not only their own children at risk but also the entire community.
"Measles and rubella are not just rashes. They are dangerous diseases that can lead to disability or even death. One unvaccinated child can infect up to six others. Kakailyan, we have a shield. This MR vaccine is our protection... Kakailyan, daytuy ti dawat ko. Ipan tayo dagiti anak tayo kadigiyay kaasitgan nga health centers, wenno kadagiyay vaccination post. Kadagiyay kapadak nga imapo, intayo bagaan dagiti annak tayo ken dagiti apo tayo nga mapan ipabakuna," explained Edduba.
The governor further stressed that vaccination goes beyond protecting individual children, saying it also strengthens the community's collective defense against potential outbreaks.
"As a parent, I know that nothing weighs heavier than a sick child. But I also know the peace that comes with prevention. We know that no house stands alone. We rise and fall as one ili. When you bring your child for the MR vaccine, you are doing more than just guarding your own door—you are strengthening the shield of your entire neighborhood," he added.
The governor's appeal comes as health authorities continue to encourage parents to complete their children's routine immunization.
According to the Department of Health, the Philippines recorded 1,627 measles-rubella cases and four deaths from January 1 to April 6, 2024, with most infections affecting children below 10 years old. While cases declined in the succeeding months due to intensified vaccination efforts, the DOH continues to warn that communities with low immunization coverage remain vulnerable to outbreaks.
Health officials continue to remind parents that vaccination is free, safe, and effective.
As Governor Edduba emphasized, a few minutes spent getting a child vaccinated can prevent a lifetime of regret—because when diseases that are preventable are allowed to spread, the consequences can be irreversible.
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