I must congratulate the Department of Health (DOH) for its massive measles immunization program starting February, after an outbreak of the illness happened in several communities in our country. But I partly blame the DOH for forgetting two basic immunizations that should have been included—polio and DTP. Now, we have cases of polio in our midst.
Polio is a very disabling infection, with paralysis of the lower limbs that has no treatment, except rehabilitation of the muscles affected to improve walking activities. Diphtheria, however, is a very serious illness, affecting principally the respiratory tract. When a patient is not given a diphtheria antitoxin within three days’ time, the patient dies.
I propose that children entering primary grades should not be admitted in school without a certified immunization card for babies and children.
ELISEO R. REBLANDO, MD, FPAFP, DFM, director, Sta. Veronica General Clinic, Olongapo City