Measles vaxx coverage in Mindanao, BARMM now at 82% – DOH

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said routine immunization will continue nationwide to protect children against measles and rubella, as Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) inche closer to the target of 95-percent vaccination coverage needed to prevent an outbreak

In its “Ligtas Tigdas” situation report covering Jan. 19 to Feb. 24, 2026, the DOH said 82 percent or a total of 2,347,562 children aged 6 to 59 months (under 5 years old) in Mindanao and BARMM have been vaccinated against measles and rubella.

Data from the campaign showed that BARMM posted the highest coverage at 91 percent, with 523,324 vaccinated and 53,906 children yet to receive protection against measles and rubella. Caraga achieved 87 percent coverage with 234,923 vaccinated and 34,372 unvaccinated.

Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) recorded 452,970 vaccinated children or 86 percent, leaving 70,736 unvaccinated; while Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) also posted 86 percent coverage with 452,051 vaccinated and 71,568 unvaccinated. Region 11 (Davao Region) logged the lowest coverage at 65 percent, with 332,066 vaccinated and 180,943 still unprotected.

Region 12 (Soccsksargen) reached 78 percent or 352,228 vaccinated, leaving 99,022 unvaccinated.

Despite the gains, health authorities warned of a high possibility of a measles outbreak in the region if the 95-percent coverage target would remain unmet. From the target population, some 510,547 children remain unprotected against measles and rubella.

The DOH reiterated that while Phase 1 of the Ligtas Tigdas campaign has concluded, routine immunization services will continue across the country.

Parents and guardians were urged to complete the two doses of measles-containing vaccine and ensure that children receive all recommended immunizations before reaching one year old.

The DOH advised families to coordinate with health workers in their communities for their children’s vaccination schedule and to visit the nearest health center for free immunization services. (PNA)