The Department of Health (DOH) Calabarzon Health Education and Promotion Unit has intensified preparations for the upcoming measles and rubella vaccination campaign in four municipalities in Rizal Province.

The vaccination campaign, scheduled to take place from Aug. 10 to 28, aims to protect children from measles and rubella, with the Department of Health (DOH) urging local officials to encourage residents to have their children vaccinated.

According to DOH data, the country recorded 1,627 measles and rubella cases from Jan. 4 to March 21 this year, a 45% increase from the 1,121 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

The health department has urged local officials to use their influence in encouraging residents to have their children vaccinated and to educate communities about the serious complications of measles, including encephalitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and even death.

Measles is caused by the rubeola virus, while rubella is caused by the rubella virus. Both diseases are highly contagious but can be effectively prevented through vaccination. The Phase III rollout of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) aims to target children who have missed the previous vaccination opportunities. The DOH has reported that 66% of the country's eligible population has been vaccinated against measles and rubella, leaving about 821,000 eligible individuals still unvaccinated. In preparation for the vaccination campaign, barangay officials, health workers, and provincial board members from Antipolo City, Angono, Baras, and Cainta towns recently held a coordination meeting with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IV-A.

The DILG urged local officials to use their influence in encouraging residents to have their children vaccinated, adding that they will provide support to the local vaccination efforts.

The health department has also emphasized the safety and effectiveness of the measles-rubella vaccine, stating that it provides the best protection against the viruses and their potentially deadly complications. “Measles-Rubella vaccines are proven safe and effective. They provide the best protection against the viruses and their potentially deadly complications,” the DOH said.

And for those living in Rizal Province, the fight against measles and rubella just got a big boost with the upcoming vaccination campaign. Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the rubeola virus, while rubella is caused by the rubella virus. Both diseases can have serious complications, including encephalitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and even death.

But with the right measures in place, we can prevent these cases from happening. The health department is urging local officials to encourage residents to have their children vaccinated. The vaccination campaign is a welcome move for parents who are eager to protect their children from these diseases. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any cases of measles or rubella to the authorities. Health officials are also reminding the public to be kind to those who are immunocompromised and to follow proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the diseases. In a statement, the DOH emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of diseases.

The health department is urging the public to support the vaccination efforts and to report any cases of measles or rubella to the authorities.

The vaccination campaign is a significant step in preventing the spread of diseases and protecting the health of our children.

And with the support of local officials and the public, we can make a huge difference in preventing measles and rubella cases in Rizal Province.

### Key Facts

  • 1,627 measles and rubella cases were recorded from Jan. 4 to March 21 this year.
  • The number of cases is a 45% increase from the 1,121 cases reported during the same period in 2025.
  • The Phase III rollout of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) aims to target children who have missed the previous vaccination opportunities.
  • 66% of the country's eligible population has been vaccinated against measles and rubella, leaving about 821,000 eligible individuals still unvaccinated.
  • The vaccination campaign will take place from Aug. 10 to 28.