ANGELES CITY – Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. aims for a free-measles city, as the city government started the house-to-house administration of free measles vaccines to Angeleño kids, ages 9 to 59 months old, in the city’s 33 barangays here on August 24, 2022.
The program in the grassroots level is being undertaken by the City Health Office (CHO), led by Dr. Verona Guevarra with Nurse Supervisor Evelinda Mariano.
Mayor Lazatin said this is to ensure the welfare of Angeleño kids especially those who are susceptible to viruses and diseases. He is urging all Angeleño parents to let their children – 9 months to 59 months — to be vaccinated against measles.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala, para po ito sa kalusugan at kapakanan ng mga batang Angeleño. Hinihikayat ko po ang mga magulang na pabakunahan niyo po ang inyong mga anak na may edad na 9 buwan hanggang 59 buwan. Libre lang po ito,” Lazatin urged.
According to Dr. Guevarra, the Department of Health (DOH) issued an advisory to local government units to conduct measles outbreak response immunization from August 15-31, 2022.
In a meeting last August 24, 2022, Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, who are overseeing the response program, heard updates on the ongoing house-to-house vaccination from Dr. Guevarra and Mariano.
Mariano also cited that in case a child missed the house-to-house immunization, they can go to their nearest sub-health centers and six Rural Health Units, where the free measles vaccines are also available.
To recall, the Angeles City Government conducted community-based immunization of Measles, Rubella, Tetanus and Diphtheria (MRTD) for Angeleño children, aged 6-7 years old and 12-13 years old, in the city’s 33 barangays last November 2021.
Amidst the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Lazatin continues to push for programs that will ensure the health of Angeleño children.
