Cebu health officials combat measles vaccine misinformation

Health officials in Cebu Province are addressing a surge of misinformation during the ‘Ligtas Tigdas 2026’ supplemental immunization campaign. The campaign, which runs from August 10 to 28, aims to vaccinate children aged six to 59 months against measles and rubella.

In the municipality of Balamban, the Rural Health Unit reported that unverified social media claims began circulating online alleging that children fell ill immediately after receiving the measles-rubella vaccine. Health authorities have refuted these claims, noting that the vaccination rounds had not yet commenced in that specific locality at the time the rumors appeared.

Dr. Grace Arcay of the Balamban Rural Health Unit stated that the information was ‘unverified’ and confirmed that accounts spreading the rumors have been reported to law enforcement. The Cebu Provincial Health Office has instructed municipal health officers to document and file formal complaints against social media accounts propagating these narratives.