DOH to procure 800,000 pertussis vaccine doses

Updated Mon, March 25, 2024 at 5:04 PM Published Sat, March 23, 2024 at 12:58 PM

The Department of Health (DOH) is procuring at least 800,000 vaccine doses, expected to arrive in June through UNICEF, to combat the rising pertussis cases.

As of March 25, the DOH recorded 453 pertussis cases nationwide with 35 deaths, a significant increase from last year's 23 cases.

Metro Manila, particularly Quezon City which declared an outbreak, Calabarzon, and Central Visayas are the regions with the highest number of cases.

The DOH attributes the surge to a decline in immunization rates among Filipinos, especially during the pandemic.

To address the immediate need, the DOH has provided 1,500 doses to Quezon City and will keep health centers open this Holy Week for vaccinations.

Parents are urged to have their children, from weeks-old infants up to 12-year-olds, vaccinated for free at local health centers.

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