CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Parents and guardians in Oriental Mindoro are being urged to act before the clock runs out as the government continues its free measles-rubella vaccination drive for young children, with the campaign set to end on August 28, 2026.
The vaccination activity is part of the Department of Health’s Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), a nationwide campaign designed to close immunization gaps and give eligible children additional protection against measles and rubella.
In Oriental Mindoro, children 6 months to 59 months old are eligible for the supplemental vaccination. Health authorities are encouraging families to bring their children to the nearest designated vaccination site while the campaign remains ongoing.
FREE VACCINATION AVAILABLE ACROSS THE PROVINCE
The Philippine Information Agency reported on August 17 that free measles vaccination remains available at designated vaccination posts across Oriental Mindoro until August 28.
The Provincial Health Office is implementing the program in coordination with the Department of Health, with health workers administering the vaccines at government health facilities and designated community sites.
The provincial government had earlier announced that the Ligtas Tigdas Measles-Rubella Immunization Activity would cover the entire province beginning August 10, with parents advised to visit their nearest barangay health station or health center or coordinate with their local nurse or midwife for vaccination schedules.
The DOH MIMAROPA also said vaccination access was being expanded through community-based sites. Aside from rural health units and health centers, temporary vaccination posts may be established in places such as schools, barangay health stations, gyms, basketball courts and session halls.
EVEN HEALTHY-LOOKING CHILDREN CAN BE VULNERABLE
Health officials emphasize that appearing healthy does not eliminate a child’s risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases.
DOH MIMAROPA Medical Officer IV Dr. Mathew M. Medrano said the supplemental dose provides an additional layer of protection against measles and rubella. Children with mild coughs or colds may also still be vaccinated after assessment by health workers.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. The PIA report noted that encephalitis can result in high fever, headache, weakness and seizures.
Rubella is another contagious viral infection. While it may produce relatively mild symptoms in some people, preventing its spread remains important because infection during pregnancy can cause serious complications for an unborn baby. The government’s supplemental immunization campaign therefore seeks to strengthen population protection against both diseases.
WHY THE AUGUST 28 DEADLINE MATTERS
The August 28 cutoff is not simply another date on the calendar.
The MR-SIA is a time-limited campaign intended to reach children who may have missed routine immunization or who need an additional layer of protection. Similar DOH campaigns across the country are using the same August 10–28, 2026 vaccination window.
In other parts of the Philippines, health authorities have likewise urged parents to take advantage of the free vaccination program to improve immunization coverage and reduce the possibility of outbreaks. DOH Ilocos, for example, has stressed that high vaccination coverage is critical to protecting communities from measles and rubella outbreaks.
The campaign is also consistent with the broader National Immunization Program, which provides routine childhood vaccines through government health facilities. DOH MIMAROPA identifies measles-containing vaccines among the vaccines provided through its Expanded Program on Immunization.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD DO
Parents and guardians with children 6 to 59 months old in Oriental Mindoro should contact or visit their nearest barangay health station, rural health unit, health center or designated vaccination post to confirm the schedule and availability in their area.
The vaccine under the campaign is free, with the government providing the vaccines and health workers delivering the service at designated sites.
For parents who have questions about whether their child should receive the supplemental dose, health workers can assess the child and provide appropriate guidance.
THE BOTTOM LINE
For families in Oriental Mindoro, the message from health authorities is straightforward: if your child is 6 to 59 months old, don’t wait until the final day of the campaign.
The free Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity continues only until August 28, 2026.
A short visit to a health center or designated vaccination site could mean an added layer of protection against two highly contagious diseases—and the opportunity is available at no cost while the campaign is underway.
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