English: Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag previously said in news reports that due to lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, children were not brought to health centers for their routine immunization. Even though restrictions were lifted, some parents still refused to bring their children outside for fear of contracting coronavirus. According to the DOH National Immunization Program, only 72%—below the 90% target—of more than 2 million children aged one year below are fully immunized.
Filipino: Ayon kay Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag, bumaba noong panahon ng pandemya ng COVID-19 at mga lockdowns ang bilang ng mga batang dinala sa mga health centers para mabakunahan. Noong inalis ang mga paghihigpit, may mga magulang na tumanggi pa ring pabakunahan ang kanilang mga anak dahil sa takot sa virus. Ayon sa DOH National Immunization Program, 72% lamang ng mahigit 2 milyong mga kabataan na may edad isa ang ganap na bakunado—mas mababa sa target na 90%.