BY JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) will immunize more than 20,000 children during its catch-up vaccination campaign to prevent the spread of pertussis.

PHO head Dr. Girlie Pinongan said the provincial government procured around 10,000 vials of pentavalent vaccines for children five years old and below who have not received the vaccine.

The vaccine doses are expected to arrive within this month.

Pentavalent vaccines provide protection against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT), as well as hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenza type B.

Pinongan said they have already vaccinated 62 percent of the 54,000 target population.

The PHO still needs to reach out to more than 20,000 children for the catch-up vaccination.

“Wala sila nahatagan last time kay nagkulang kita sang vaccine. Pila lang man ‘to ka percentage ang nahatagan, sa aton diri sa Negros Occidental, sa aton target population,” Pinongan said.

She said the shortage is attributed to the high demand for DPT vaccines.

The latest PHO data showed Negros Occidental has 14 confirmed pertussis cases, with one death.

Of the 74 pertussis-related cases, 40 turned out negative, while 20 were probable cases.

The cases were recorded in 20 out of 31 local government units (LGUs) in the province, the PHO said.

Among the LGUs which reported confirmed pertussis cases include the municipalities of Murcia, Cauayan, Hinoba-an, and E.B. Magalona, as well as the cities of Victorias, Silay and Cadiz.

The patients were all infants aged zero to nine months, it added.

Earlier, Pinongan emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment of pertussis symptoms, which include cough that may last two or more weeks, mild fever and difficulty in breathing.

She urged parents to seek medical attention immediately if their children exhibit any of these symptoms, as pertussis can be life-threatening./JB, WDJ