BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO City – The City Health Office (CHO) has reported a significant reduction in pertussis (whooping cough) cases, with no new instances detected over the past two weeks.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits and can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
As of April 20, the CHO has received 3,573 doses of vaccines, prioritizing children between zero to 12 months old to boost immunity among this vulnerable group.
Additionally, 1,200 doses of the TDAP vaccine, which protects against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis, have been administered, covering 606 pregnant women in their 27 to 36 weeks of gestation, with 284 doses still available for further vaccinations.
The city’s vaccination campaign extends to older children as well, with efforts to inoculate 4,344 two-year-olds, 17,446 children aged two to five years old, and 8,844 children aged four to five years old.
The CHO emphasizes the importance of the TDAP vaccine for children aged four to five years old ensure comprehensive protection against these diseases.
Despite the successful distribution of vaccines supplied by the Department of Health and those purchased by the city, supplies have been depleted. The CHO is planning additional purchases to continue their efforts.
This ongoing response aims not only to control the current outbreak but also to secure long-term immunity among the population.
The CHO also notes challenges in reaching all children, particularly those who have not completed their vaccination schedules. These children remain a key focus of the city’s health strategy.
Officials are optimistic that if the current trend continues, they might propose to the Iloilo City Council the lifting of the pertussis outbreak declaration within the next two weeks. However, vaccination efforts will persist to prevent future outbreaks and maintain public health safety./PN
