Philippines measles-rubella vaccination drive faces social media misinformation and safety threats

Health officials in the Philippines are facing significant challenges in a supplemental measles-rubella immunization campaign due to vaccine hesitancy fueled by social media misinformation. In the Negros Island Region, approximately 93,416 children have been vaccinated since the campaign began on August 10, though hundreds of thousands more remain to be reached. Coverage rates vary by area, with Negros Occidental reporting 27.8 percent coverage and Negros Oriental at 11.1 percent.

In Central Visayas, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that vaccination coverage in the region stands at just 12 percent. Dr. Faith Curaraton, the regional National Immunization Program coordinator, noted that many parents are refusing vaccines based on information found on platforms like Facebook.

The campaign has also led to safety concerns for frontline workers. In Cebu, barangay health workers have reportedly faced hostility, including being threatened with bladed weapons and encountering physical obstacles while attempting to mobilize families. Health officials are urging parents to consult medical professionals rather than social media to address concerns regarding vaccine safety.