FACT CHECK: Measles-rubella vaccines are safe and effective, says DOH

TACLOBAN CITY, As part of its nationwide effort to combat measles and rubella, the Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has administered vaccinations to 90,110 children, representing approximately 31 percent of the target population. This progress was recorded as of August 14, just four days after the campaign officially launched on August 10. The initiative, known as the Ligtas Tigdas program, focuses on protecting young children from preventable diseases through mass immunization. The campaign, which runs from August 10 to August 28, 2026, targets children aged six months to 59 months, with a particular emphasis on those living in high-risk areas. Health officials have stressed the importance of achieving a 95 percent vaccination rate to ensure community immunity and prevent potential outbreaks. Despite the ongoing efforts, challenges remain in reaching all eligible children, particularly in remote or underserved communities. During the campaign, misinformation about the safety of the measles and rubella vaccines circulated widely on social media platforms. A prominent Facebook user named Maharaani Sona Shiloh, who has over 350,000 followers, shared a video warning her audience against getting vaccinated. She claimed that the vaccines were dangerous and could cause severe side effects, including febrile seizures, epilepsy, and even death. According to her, one in 30,000 children might suffer life-threatening complications from the shots. She urged parents to avoid vaccinating their children and to share her message to protect them from the alleged dangers. These claims sparked concern among public health officials and led to rapid responses from the DOH. On August 7, the department issued a statement clarifying that the vaccines used in the Ligtas Tigdas campaign are both safe and effective. It emphasized that common side effects, such as mild fever and soreness at the injection site, are temporary and not harmful. The DOH also noted that any reports of serious adverse effects would be thoroughly investigated by medical experts. Furthermore, the department highlighted that the risk posed by the diseases themselves far outweighs the extremely rare possibility of serious side effects from the vaccines. Dr. Exuperia B. Sabalberino, the regional director of the DOH in Eastern Visayas, reiterated that there was no basis for alarm. She pointed out that the measles-rubella vaccines have been safely administered globally for over five decades, helping to reduce the incidence of these diseases significantly. “There is no reason to worry,” she stated, adding that the vaccines continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding children's health. The Ligtas Tigdas campaign is part of a larger national effort to improve immunization rates and strengthen disease prevention strategies. While the current coverage stands at 31 percent, officials acknowledge that much work remains to be done to reach the desired 95 percent threshold. Additional outreach activities, including mobile clinics and community engagement programs, are being planned to address gaps in vaccine distribution and increase participation among hesitant families. As the campaign continues, health workers and local leaders are working together to dispel myths and encourage parents to prioritize their children’s health through vaccination. With continued support and education, the goal of widespread immunization remains within reach.