BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Government is bringing its “Ligtas Tigdas” Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) closer to families as it sets up free vaccination sites at two major malls this month.
The City Health Office (CHO) will administer free measles-rubella vaccines and provide Vitamin A supplementation at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central on August 15, 16, 22, and 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The mall-based vaccination drive is part of the city-wide campaign running from August 10 to 28, which targets children aged 6 to 59 months.
The city aims to achieve at least 95 percent immunization coverage, or reach 48,839 eligible children across Bacolod.
Mayor Greg Gasataya formally launched the campaign during the Immunization Task Force Assembly and Ceremonial Vaccination at the Mansilingan Activity Center on August 10.
The CHO, in coordination with barangay health centers, has deployed 74 vaccination teams composed of nurses and midwives to bring the supplemental immunization services to communities across the city.
National Immunization Program Coordinator Paulyne Sustento assured parents and guardians of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.
She said the measles-rubella vaccines have been used for generations and have undergone years of study to ensure their safety and effectiveness in protecting children against the diseases.
The CHO encouraged parents and guardians to take advantage of the free vaccination services, particularly families who may find the mall-based sites more accessible and convenient.
Health officials said measles and rubella can cause serious health complications. Measles may lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, and other complications, while rubella can pose significant risks during pregnancy and may result in congenital rubella syndrome in infants.
The city government said bringing vaccination services to high-traffic public spaces such as malls is part of its effort to make immunization more accessible and improve coverage among eligible children.
Parents and guardians are urged to bring their children aged 6 to 59 months to the designated vaccination sites and help strengthen Bacolod’s protection against vaccine-preventable diseases./PN
