DOH scrambles to secure pertussis vaccines amid rising cases

The Philippines has recorded 1,566 cases of pertussis this year, with an upward trend observed.

The DOH is awaiting the arrival of three million doses of pertussis vaccines, with an additional 5.1 million doses being procured.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa warned of a potential shortage of pertussis vaccine in May.

Quezon City has registered 19 confirmed pertussis cases and two deaths, with the DOH noting the mayor's proactive response has helped control the situation.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated that the agency is not yet seeing a decrease in cases and is anticipating the impact of ongoing vaccination efforts.

Domingo advised parents to limit their children's exposure to others if they have not yet been vaccinated, as pertussis is a vaccine-preventable illness.