- 11 minutes ago
Join us on Beyond the Headlines as we discuss the Measles-Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) and why it plays a vital role in protecting children and preventing outbreaks.
Our guest, Dr. Faith R. Curaraton, Medical Officer III and Regional National Immunization Program (NIP) Medical Coordinator, shares key information about the campaign, who should get vaccinated, and how immunization helps keep communities safe.
Tune in and get the facts behind the nationwide MR-SIA campaign.
Beyond the Headlines — Look Deeper. Think Deeper.
Our guest, Dr. Faith R. Curaraton, Medical Officer III and Regional National Immunization Program (NIP) Medical Coordinator, shares key information about the campaign, who should get vaccinated, and how immunization helps keep communities safe.
Tune in and get the facts behind the nationwide MR-SIA campaign.
Beyond the Headlines — Look Deeper. Think Deeper.
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NewsTranscript
01:00The perfect latte is not brushed. It is crafted. One cup at a time.
01:07Your perfect latte is ready. Coffee first. Then, everything else.
01:14Good afternoon. Welcome to Beyond the Headlines. I'm DJ Moises and today's conversation is brought to us by Coffee First.
01:22Missiles and rubella are diseases many people think belong to the past.
01:27Yet today, health authorities are once again urging parents to have their children vaccinated through the Missiles rubella supplemental immunization
01:36activity.
01:36Why is another campaign necessary? And what should parents know to make informed decisions for their families?
01:44Today, let's look deeper and think better.
01:47Joining us is Medical Officer 3 Regional National Immunization Program or NIP Medical Coordinator from the Department of Health, Dr.
01:56Faith Kuraraton.
01:57Hello, Dr. Faith. Welcome to Beyond the Headlines.
02:00Good afternoon and thank you for giving us the opportunity to be here.
02:04Yes. So, for the sake of our viewers, because they will see the initials MR-SIA, that actually means Missiles
02:14rubella supplemental immunization activity.
02:17Yes, that's correct. So, it's more on just a supplement to give to the kids or booster if, let's say,
02:27it's that. It's more on the booster to boost your immune system of your children.
02:33So, if parents are watching, Doc, and then they would be asking, like, didn't they already have the vaccines before
02:42or the program was already administered before? So, why the need for a boost this time?
02:48Why do we need to do the boosting again? The MR or Missiles rubella has been given to us since
02:579 months and 12 months of age.
03:00But, not all children were given. Meaning, not all the families opted to get that vaccine. So, we are afraid
03:14that these children might be the ones to cause an outbreak or cause the measles infection and it can spread
03:24wildly among other children.
03:27So, in order for that not to spread that much, we need to immunize again these children. But, actually, it's
03:35the same vaccine.
03:38So, Karen, what I have here, the numbers that I have, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, but
03:44the Philippines currently is struggling to reach the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks.
03:53So, why are we still relying on supplemental rather than addressing the gap?
04:01Okay. We are still relying on that because, again, you have said we haven't reached the 95%. Why 95%?
04:10Okay. Let's just put 10 people or 10 children in a classroom. All those 10 children are healthy, young, but
04:21one of them has measles. Now, on that next day, once that person has the measles, 80% will have
04:31the children.
04:32I mean, 80% of that class will have measles. And the very next day, 95% because of just
04:40one. And then the very next day, 95% to 100% will have measles. Meaning, most of your kids
04:47will be absent.
04:48So, that's why we are trying to reach the goal of 95%. So, it's not just the numbers that we
04:57are trying to reach, but it's more on having more children to be vaccinated.
05:03If you don't mind, Doc, where are we currently?
05:07We are so at the low point right now. So, meaning, we are afraid.
05:15Like, how many percentage lang?
05:18Partially, it's more on the 20%.
05:22Now, I understand the urgency.
05:24So, we really need to, you know, that's just Central Visayas.
05:28So, that's just the partial numbers that we got.
05:32It's not like the full because we really need to get the full detail of it.
05:38So, since the data that we can gather is really that slow, that's why it's still partial.
05:47So, it's still at the 20% and we are afraid that we might have an impending, meaning, an upcoming
05:56outbreak.
05:57Or we are vulnerable.
05:58Yes, we might be vulnerable for an outbreak or a measles infection.
06:03And the complications of this might be so debilitating to those kids who haven't had any kind of vaccination at
06:14all.
06:14So, what do you think are the challenges, man, Doc?
06:18Why immunization level is not reaching enough children?
06:26There's so many challenges.
06:28It could be the leadership and governance.
06:32Or it could be the mothers who are not well informed about these kinds of diseases, which is really preventable
06:43by the vaccines.
06:44And mind you, they still keep on saying these vaccines might be the cause of the child's demise.
06:52I heard about that.
06:53Or, but it's actually, no.
06:56It's actually not true because these children really need the vaccination itself.
07:02It's not the, it's the other way around.
07:04It's the one protecting the kids rather than causing the diseases itself.
07:10And just to correct certain perception also from parents.
07:14So, you've already cited one of them.
07:16Some parents would think that it's the vaccine that's causing, no?
07:21The, the, the causing harm on the child, no?
07:24Instead of, kind of, preventing the harm.
07:27What are the other means, man, that you are hearing which we need to correct?
07:34Um, other...
07:35Aside from, it's the vaccine causing the harm.
07:39The harm.
07:39Rather than preventing it.
07:41Um, other is the, the side effects of it.
07:45So, they say once they got the shot, they might have the fever or they might have the measles.
07:51We still don't, we, we cannot be assured what the adverse effect will be.
07:57Okay?
07:57It's not a hundred percent sure that a child will not react.
08:01It would always depend from person to person, child to child.
08:05Nobody has the same adverse effect.
08:09So, one might have the rashes, one might have the fever, or one might have none at all.
08:16But mostly, none of all will have an adverse effect.
08:20Hmm, so what you're saying is the majority, it's like nothing happens.
08:24Nothing happens.
08:25But for some, it could be fever, it could be rashes, but these are normal.
08:30Yes.
08:31Okay.
08:31Now, just in case, sige, in that context na lang.
08:34For parents that they brought their child to, to immunization, and then they see rashes, what would be the most
08:43rational reaction a parent should do?
08:46Like, bring back the, the child for check?
08:49Or that's just, oh, that's normal?
08:51So, if the child, prior to the immunization activity, if the child already has the rashes, then, of course, they
09:00need to check.
09:01But if the child will have rashes or fever after the vaccine given, then they need to be checked again.
09:12So, they need to go to their nearest LGU or health center or RHU.
09:21So, that's the best way because sometimes when we do the injection, it's in the morning, and then the rashes
09:30or the fever might come in the late night.
09:33So, might as well, in the morning, immediately go straight or to your nearest emergency room.
09:40So, what we're saying, Doc, just, just for me to, can I clarify it, is most children, no effect.
09:48No effect.
09:49But for those with,
09:50I mean, not no effect, no adverse effect.
09:52No adverse effect.
09:54And then for, for some, that's when they would experience fever and rashes.
09:59And so, parents should not also just neglect it.
10:03Yes.
10:03But they also need to, to bring their children back, no?
10:07Yes.
10:07And have them checked.
10:08If they have, if they are feeling, if the child is feeling sick after the immunization, then they should bring
10:17back the child.
10:18Because it might not be related to the vaccine itself.
10:24Or, it might be related to the vaccine.
10:27So, we still need to investigate if there is any relationship with the vaccine.
10:32Now, aside from programs such as this one, Doc, what are also the, the steps that DOH is taking to
10:41correct misconceptions such as what you mentioned?
10:44One of those steps is like, right now, what we're doing, our information drive is really up to the peak
10:53right now.
10:54Because we are going to have the MRC, as what we call, and I hope the parents will be really
11:04well-informed right now.
11:06And I hope these parents who are well-informed will have their children vaccinated.
11:12But the other steps is, of course, we're also having coordination meetings with a lot of our stakeholders so that
11:20we could not miss out a single child.
11:23So, assuming, Doc, that, for example, I'm a parent, although I am not, but just in case I'm a parent,
11:29and my child is already part of the 20%, meaning they've already been immunized, do I still need to bring
11:35my child to DOH or the LGU?
11:39Yes, of course. You still need. That's why it's known as supplemental immunization activity.
11:50So, what we're having, our guidelines right now is from six months to 59 months before a child would reach
12:03at the age of five.
12:05So, that's the best way we can protect these children if there are measles infection,
12:13especially around the environment right now.
12:16So, now, again, if ever I'm a parent and then my child is part of the 80%, meaning I have
12:22not immunized my child.
12:26So, can the supplementary, can I go directly to this or do I have to pass through the regular immunization
12:34or can I get the boost or can my child get the boost already?
12:37Okay. It would depend upon the age.
12:40So, if you're between, again, six to 59, you can directly get the booster.
12:48But our regular or routine immunization is from nine months and 12 months.
12:54So, meaning at nine months old of the child and 12 months old of a child, they should have the
13:00measles rubella vaccine.
13:04First.
13:04MMR, measles mumps rubella vaccine.
13:07First.
13:08First two doses, nine months and 12 months.
13:11And then, you can already give the booster.
13:15But what we have right now is we need to give them, even without the first two doses, we need
13:24to give them the MR vaccine.
13:26It's still the blood.
13:27So, again, in my case, Nasad, if I were, for example, a parent and then I'm not necessarily, I don't
13:36have the usual access to information, how would you normally explain it to me?
13:42Ah.
13:43So, how a vaccine actually works.
13:47Now, that's hard.
13:49Okay.
13:49Because how vaccines work.
13:53And why should my child have it?
13:55It's really like a broad on how it would work.
13:59But basically, the children, 80%, the children in your schools, the example, Kanina, that was a really good example.
14:12The practical one.
14:12Yeah, the practical one that we can always give to those mothers that are questioning why do they need the
14:20vaccines or how does it work.
14:22It's basically that how it works.
14:25So, with respect to Katupong Kanang, at least that's the current estimated data now, which is 20%.
14:33How much of it also is hesitancy of parents and how much of it is really location?
14:41Okay.
14:42For the hesitancy, we don't have that kind of data of how much.
14:48But your gut, are they more because parents are hesitant or is it really because they're too late?
14:54It's actually parents are hesitant.
14:57I'm all good.
14:58Because if you're going to say because of accessibility, no.
15:03Because we need to have a temporary fixed post as to where they're the nearest of the children are.
15:11So, that's where they need to go.
15:13And it's somewhat like the healthcare workers are already going down to that level up to the point that we
15:25want to meet halfway with the parents.
15:29So, it's more basically on them hesitant in going to us.
15:34Okay.
15:35So, we're not seeing access as the main problem.
15:39It's hesitancy of the parents.
15:40It's hesitancy of the parents because, again, of the misconceptions or the misinformations they have.
15:47So, now let's talk about, because you mentioned governance is also part of that.
15:53It's also a factor, no.
15:55Maybe this is a good time also for, what are the best practices that you have observed on certain LGUs
16:02that they don't struggle as much as the others in terms of immunization coverage?
16:09There are other LGUs who really, really support the health, meaning some of them gave support such as, even for
16:17the transportation of these healthcare workers.
16:22Because those vaccine that we place in a very small career that we have, a pre-qualified career, those vaccines,
16:34the measles rubella vaccine is so sensitive to heat.
16:37So, that's why we cannot do house to house because of that sensitivity of the vaccine.
16:46Now, if we're going to do house to house, there might be a high cases of adverse effect of immunization.
16:54So, that's one of the things that they're looking at.
16:57So, we're trying to have a fixed post.
17:00So, it's up to now to the parents who would go.
17:03So, those are the best supports that the other LGUs are giving to us.
17:10And I commend them for that.
17:13Maybe you'd like to commend them.
17:16Okay.
17:17It's actually…
17:18We'll leave it at that.
17:19Yeah, we'll leave it at that because there are so plenty of them I cannot mention on.
17:24So, at least it's comforting to know that there are more LGUs who are really supporting this by at least
17:31transporting the parents and their child to where the availability of immunization is.
17:38Yeah, because I have tried once in like about 2024, 2023 during the MRC again.
17:50I've tried that we have walked a very long pathway because the transportation was only up to this certain area.
17:59And you know the point that you cannot point to where the house is but only your mouse is there.
18:10I can't imagine.
18:11That's how far we have been trying to reach the families up to the point where we will be the
18:18one to go near to them.
18:22There's one ad.
18:23I don't know if it's the DOH that spearheaded the ad.
18:28But when I was a baby, when I was a kid, I saw an ad that actually would end with
18:38this tagline or line,
18:40Maraming namamatay sa maling akala.
18:44So, now, with respect to measles, for example, what are also, how would you explain to parents who will just
18:51dismiss it?
18:52The other one is katong overprotective of their child.
18:55But there are also parents na kanang kampante lang na, oh, that's just measles.
18:58The child will outgrow this anyway.
19:00It's just a face.
19:01What would you tell them?
19:03We shouldn't be complacent.
19:05Even for those overprotective parents, we shouldn't be complacent or meaning we shouldn't be...
19:12Like saying it's just a face.
19:14Yeah, it's just a face.
19:15Pangbata na siya.
19:16They would outgrow it.
19:17It's better na matakdan rather than mabaksinan.
19:21Oh, yeah. That's another myth.
19:23That's another myth.
19:24Okay.
19:24It's better to have the vaccine itself.
19:28Why?
19:29Because we are taking care of the future of our child.
19:33Because the complications that a child might have during the measles is debilitating enough.
19:41And we are afraid that they might have those complications such as encephalitis or up to the point of having
19:51death.
19:52So that's why we do not want DOH wants to have the MRC in order for us to cut these
20:03things and be informed.
20:07And by the way, thank you for raising that.
20:09Because that's a common myth that I would also hear.
20:12Mas may pag matakdan nga bata pa para ma-immune siya.
20:15Para ma-immune siya.
20:17We grew up with that.
20:19I've heard about that.
20:20And then the other thing is, katong bata po nga nagka-measles na, it's even still good for them to
20:26still get the immunization.
20:27Just to correct that perception.
20:29As long as they are healthy, they do not have the measles right now.
20:36So, pwede ragyod that they can have the measles vaccine.
20:42Now, this one is, kagadina, I was addressing more governance on an LGU level.
20:47Now, if we are to zoom out, and I don't want to put you on the spot, but are there
20:53countries also in which they already have zero cases and they already have good coverage?
21:01Okay, anyway, the president is going to have his own.
21:04Basing, masingit pali ang imungko.
21:06President, i-appeal ni.
21:09And then it's still 12.30, so nag-make-up sa naminaw sa naminaw sa naminaw.
21:15I mean, it has been part of the president's sauna for, I think, from the previous sauna.
21:23So, because of, we have really a low coverage of the, what we call the FIC or fully immunized child.
21:30Or those that have the, until the measles, mumps, rubella, na vaccine, routine vaccine.
21:38So, since we have that low coverage.
21:40But, in the other countries, I don't think, I'm not sure.
21:46I don't want to be quote-unquote if there are countries na nag-zero cases sila.
21:52Because, for example, Filipinos will go to another area, country.
21:57And they have not been immunized.
22:00And they have not been immunized.
22:01Then we are bringing the infection to the other countries also.
22:05But there are still other countries that also has a low coverage, the same as us.
22:12So, it's commonly here in the Southeast Asia area.
22:17So, we do not want the spread to be more.
22:21And, of course, the Philippines is a tourist area, bringing children with them, families.
22:29And it is a hub.
22:32Yes.
22:32That's why there is an infighting in the West Philippine Sea.
22:35Just kidding.
22:38So, the more it's urgent.
22:39So, that's why we need not just us to be protected.
22:45But, actually, even foreigners should also be protected.
22:49So, if because if they're going to have a vacation here, we have to make sure they're having a good
22:56time rather than being admitted at the hospital.
23:00And then, now we're zooming out, so that means we're already towards the end of the conversation.
23:06So, now, we're going to go to the Philippines, but this time, are there any immunization for certain diseases also,
23:17aside from measles and rubella?
23:19Which you need to tell our parents also, aside from measles and rubella?
23:26Yeah, we have BCG.
23:30We will start at the BCG.
23:32BCG is for the primary tuberculosis for children.
23:37Hina po ng parents.
23:38Yes, naiuban hina.
23:39But we need to give it during, within the 24 hours period of after birth.
23:46So, BCG and HEPB, dapat automatic siya.
23:49But parental consent, manggot yapo na?
23:51Yes.
23:51Na magyapon guwi mo consent.
23:53Nasa iuban lili mo consent.
23:55So, I hope they will, Carol.
23:56So, another one is Hepatitis B.
23:59Okay.
24:00Why B?
24:00Because we are afraid that they might go into the liver cirrhosis.
24:04Okay.
24:05And then, we have at one month and a half.
24:10So, we need to give the Penta and the oral polio vaccine.
24:16Then, we also have the IPV and the PCV.
24:19There are so many vaccines.
24:21And then, up to the point now, we're going to give the MMR vaccines at 9 and 12 months.
24:29And you've mentioned actually polio, no?
24:32Okay.
24:33I'm with Rotary.
24:34And our drive is zero incidence of polio.
24:38So, actually, now, it's also an education for me, ba?
24:43If I am a parent, and then I'm…
24:46So, one of the responsible things that I need to do is to make sure that the essential immunization for
24:54the baby, no?
24:56The routine.
24:56Should be there.
24:57The routine.
24:57Should be there.
24:58Should be there.
24:58That's why we wanted to strengthen it more, the routine immunization.
25:03But, however, again, the hesitancy is still present.
25:08Mm-hmm.
25:09So, now, with respect to…
25:11Because you mentioned that your DOH is also strengthening information drives.
25:16Now, how can schools also help in this area?
25:18For the schools, the daycare, we are trying to reach out with our DSWD counterparts, and we already have our
25:29stakeholders meeting.
25:31And they're also very supportive, and we're trying now to…
25:37The LGUs will try to go to their daycare centers.
25:42Now, in the other side, if we're going to have at the school level, elementary, we also have what we
25:50call the school-based immunization.
25:52And that would be the next one after MRC, yeah.
25:57So, if there's any message that you wish to communicate to parents, to the president, and to anyone who's watching
26:07us today, what would that be, though?
26:09So, I hope the parents would be more well-informed.
26:14Mahirap…
26:15You're in the previous time, maraming namamatay sa maling akala.
26:20Or, for me, what I did previously, be a good chismosa.
26:27Because you need to be well-informed.
26:31Do not just, you know, think na it can harm your child or children.
26:36It can always help out your children and their future.
26:42So, you have to secure it to them.
26:44So, thank you very much, Dr. Faith, for joining us.
26:47And you have anybody to give your shout-out before I let you go?
26:52I need to give a shout-out all to my FHS family.
26:57Hi and hello to them.
26:58That's all.
26:59And to the ones who are with me right now, Ms. Maricar and Ms. Viana.
27:06And we're truly grateful to have you here on the show so that we would be able to educate, hopefully.
27:14Yeah, hopefully.
27:15Better educate our viewers regarding measles, rubella, supplemental immunization activity, and other essential vaccines that our babies should have.
27:25Last one, last.
27:27If they have questions, and if they need an answer, they can go to their nearest RHU or PCF or
27:38primary care facility or any health worker that they can find.
27:44And thank you once again.
27:46Thank you also for giving me a chance to be here.
27:50And thank you also for saying a portion of my closing script.
27:56But anyhow, so to our viewers, reliable information can save lives.
28:02So I'm DJ Moisa's headlines tell us what happened.
28:06Understanding tells us why it matters.
28:09So let's look deeper and think better.
28:12So this is Beyond the Headlines.
28:15Have a good afternoon.
28:16Okay.
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