MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) issued a warning on Saturday, February 21, 2026, regarding a possible outbreak of measles and rubella in Mindanao if the region fails to reach the necessary threshold for herd immunity.
While a significant portion of the population has been reached, the agency emphasized that a large number of children remain vulnerable.
Key Statistics and Targets:
- Vaccination Status: As of February 20, 2026, approximately 2.3 million children (82% of the target) in Mindanao have been vaccinated.
- The Gap: There are still 520,645 children in the region who remain unvaccinated.
- The Goal: DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that a 95% vaccination rate is required to achieve herd immunity and prevent the virus from spreading.
- National Drive: The DOH aims to vaccinate 11 million children nationwide. The supplemental immunization program started in Mindanao on January 19 due to historically low rates there; rollouts for Luzon and Visayas are scheduled to begin in June 2026.
Urgency and Risks
Secretary Herbosa warned that if the 95% target is not met, the risk of transmission increases significantly, with schools being primary locations for potential outbreaks to start. He reminded parents that routine immunization is continuous and available for free at local health centers, urging them to ensure their children receive at least two doses of the vaccine.