Manila Bulletin
DOH says COVID-19 vaccination should be voluntary
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory in the Philippines, emphasizing that the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks.
The decision to make vaccination voluntary aligns with the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), as vaccines are still under emergency use authorization.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that while the government offers vaccines, individuals have the right to decide whether to accept them after being properly informed.
This statement comes in response to a proposed House Bill seeking to mandate COVID-19 vaccination to achieve herd immunity.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory is a "very difficult proposition".
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A House bill has been filed seeking to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for eligible individuals in the Philippines.
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Malacañang has stated that mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible Filipinos is not necessary at this time due to limited vaccine supply.
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