The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) announced that vaccines against measles and rubella will be readily available to all eligible children in Metro Manila at both fixed and temporary vaccination posts.
Immunization drive launched
In a statement after launching the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) at the Muntinlupa City Sports Complex, DOH-MMCHD director Lester Tan said on Monday, June 1, 2026, that the immunization drive will be regularly conducted at designated posts.
"Vaccinations will be conducted in designated posts, such as health centers, barangay vaccination sites, selected hospitals, schools, and other vaccination areas designated by local governments to make the activities more accessible to the public," said Tan.
Target: 1.2 million children
According to the DOH-MMCHD, the campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 1.2 million children aged six to 59 months, or under five years old, in Metro Manila.
"This is part of the government's intensified measures to protect children against measles and rubella," Tan added.
He stressed that such vaccines are necessary as measles and rubella are life-threatening illnesses. "Measles is not a simple disease. It can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and even death, especially for unvaccinated children," said Tan.
Call to parents
Tan called on parents to have their children vaccinated against measles and rubella. "Parents are being encouraged to bring their children to the nearest vaccination post once immunization activities begin in their area," he said.
The DOH launched the MR SIA in Mindanao in January with a target of 2.8 million children. At the close of the drive in February, only 2.3 million, or 82 percent of the target, had been vaccinated.
