San Juan Inoculates Infants vs Pertussis
In a proactive move to safeguard its youngest citizens, San Juan City has launched an ambitious vaccination drive against pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. During a town hall meeting at City Hall, infants were the first to receive their shots, marking the beginning of a campaign aimed at combating the significant rise in whooping cough cases within the National Capital Region.
A Shield Against Pertussis
Under the watchful eye of Mayor Francisco Javier ‘Francis’ Zamora, the inoculation drive was kickstarted on Monday, March 25, 2024. The objective is clear – to protect the children of San Juan from a highly contagious disease that has seen a startling increase across Metro Manila. “The safety and health of our children are paramount,” Mayor Zamora emphasized. “This campaign is not just about vaccinations but also about educating our community on the importance of routine immunizations.”
These routine immunizations, which include the vaccine against pertussis, are available at no cost at local health centers and stations, ensuring every child has the chance to be protected.
Understanding Pertussis
Dr. Manuel Mapue 2nd, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit from the Department of Health’s (DoH) Metro Manila Center for Health Development, shed light on the pertussis landscape during the town hall meeting. He presented troubling statistics, revealing a 5,000-percent increase in pertussis cases in Metro Manila since last year. “Pertussis is not just a cough; it’s a potentially deadly bacterial infection, especially for children under one year,” Dr. Mapue cautioned.
The bacteria spread through saliva droplets and nasal secretions, making babies particularly vulnerable. With 111 pertussis cases reported in Metro Manila as of March 16 and two cases in San Juan, the urgency for action is undeniable.
Vaccination: The First Line of Defense
The primary weapon in San Juan’s fight against pertussis is the 5-in-1 vaccine, which not only combats whooping cough but also diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. This vaccine is administered to children aged 12 to 23 months. “I want to assure parents that these vaccines are safe,” stated Mayor Zamora, reinforcing the city’s commitment to the health of its children.
In addition, the Department of Health plans to procure booster shots against pertussis for distribution in different cities, offering an extra layer of protection.
Other Preventive Measures
Beyond vaccination, Dr. Mapue highlighted a few simple yet effective measures to help prevent the spread of pertussis. Among these measures are the wearing of masks and proper disposal of wipes used by those infected. Such steps are vital in controlling the spread of the bacteria, especially in community settings.
Mayor Zamora’s message to the parents was clear and straightforward: “Have your children vaccinated against pertussis.” Amid the concerning rise in pertussis cases, the city of San Juan is not leaving the health of its youngest residents to chance. Through comprehensive vaccination and public education, San Juan aims to create a protective bubble around its infants, safeguarding them against the potentially severe consequences of pertussis.
As this inoculation drive unfolds, it represents more than just a public health initiative; it is a community coming together to affirm that the health and well-being of its children are a top priority. San Juan City stands as a beacon of proactive healthcare, setting an example for cities across the National Capital Region and beyond.