Over 35K children in Eastern Samar vaccinated during 'Chikiting Ligtas' immunization activity

Published on: June 20, 2023

By Samuel Candido

BORONGAN CITY (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office in Eastern Samar has reported that some 35,068 children in the province have been vaccinated during the 'Chikiting Ligtas' Measles, Rubella, Oral Polio Vaccine, Supplemental Immunization Activity from May 1 to June 2.

According to Provincial Health Office (PHO) - Eastern Samar Provincial/National Immunization Program Coordinator, Mark Greg Rodriguez, the figure translates to 84% vaccination accomplishment from a target of 41,671 children aged 0-59 months old.

Meanwhile, due to lack of vaccines against polio nationwide, only one Local Government Unit (LGU) was allocated for the the OPV per province. In Eastern Samar, Borongan City was prioritized

"That's why, Borongan City has the highest percentage in terms of OPV wherein 6,349 are vaccinated or 90% of OPV target of 7,058 children aged 0 -59 years old," Rodriguez said.

For Eastern Samar, the top 10 municipalities which recorded above 50% MR coverage are: Sulat - 95%, Jipapad - 93%, Can-avid - 90%, Borongan City - 90%, Lawaan - 90%, Arteche - 90%, San-Julian - 89%, Oras - 89%, and Hetnani - 87%.

Rodriguez disclosed that Eastern Samar ranked 2nd in terms of vaccination accomplishment of MR while Borongan City ranked 2nd also for OPV accomplishment regionwide. (MMP/SDC/PIA E. Samar)