DOH Targets Over 1.2 Million Children in Metro Manila Measles Vaccination Drive
The Department of Health (DOH) has launched a sweeping measles-rubella vaccination campaign across Metro Manila, aiming to immunize more than 1.2 million children as part of the national “Ligtas Tigdas” supplemental immunization activity. The campaign, which began in early June 2026, targets children aged six months to five years old in the National Capital Region.
Health officials said the initiative is a response to recent data showing a decline in routine measles vaccination coverage during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Measles remains one of the most contagious viral diseases, and low immunization rates can quickly lead to outbreaks in densely populated urban areas like Metro Manila.
DOH teams are setting up vaccination stations in barangay health centers, public schools, community malls, and transport terminals across the 17 cities and municipality of the NCR. Mobile vaccination units are also being deployed in hard-to-reach communities and informal settlement areas to ensure no child is left behind.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their children to the nearest vaccination site with their immunization records. The vaccines are provided free of charge through the DOH’s expanded program on immunization, supported by UNICEF and the World Health Organization.
“We need to reach at least 95 percent coverage to establish herd immunity and prevent outbreaks,” a DOH spokesperson said. “Every child vaccinated is a step toward a safer, healthier Metro Manila.”
The campaign also includes an information drive educating parents about the importance of completing the two-dose measles-rubella vaccine schedule. Side effects are generally mild and may include low-grade fever or a temporary rash at the injection site.
Families can check the DOH NCR regional office social media pages for schedules and locations of vaccination sites in their area.