The City Health Office (CHO) is doubling down on efforts to reassure parents that the measles-rubella vaccines are safe and effective and ensure that their children are protected against highly contagious illnesses.
Dr. Allyne Aguelo, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist and Member of the Philippine Pediatric Society – Davao Southern Mindanao Chapter (PPS-DSMC), said during the ISpeak Media forum on January 15, 2026, that there is no need for patients to be concerned about where they will be vaccinated because there are no difference between vaccines administered in government health centers and those given in private clinics.
“There’s no difference. Ang difference lang nila, libre ang sa government sa private naay bayad. And, in terms of doses quality, and safety pareha lang (There’s no difference. The only difference between them is that the government’s is free, while the private one has a fee. And, in terms of dose quality and safety, they are the same),” she said.
She addressed the misunderstanding that often fuels reluctance, emphasizing that the long-standing safety record of the measles-rubella vaccination for forty years has no association with the likelihood of developing autism and other diseases among children.
“Forty years na ang measles rubella and it has proven na wala talagang correlation towards autism and other diseases, so very safe siya (Measles and rubella have been around for 40 years and have been proven to have no correlation with autism and other diseases, so it is very safe),” she added.
Aguelo also added that children with mild coughs or colds can still safely receive vaccines, but those with high-grade fever may need to defer until recovery.
To further support parents, CHO also announced that the Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) will run from January 19 to February 13, 2026 and will be available on weekends to accommodate working parents, encouraging them to complete their children’s immunization.
She also urged Dabawenyos to see vaccination as an investment on their child’s stronger and healthier future.
“A healthier future begins with vaccines because, vaccines save lives,” she said. CIO
