QC buys P13M vaccines, antibiotics amid rising pertussis cases

The Quezon City government has purchased P13 million worth of vaccines and antibiotics to address the rising cases of pertussis in the city.

The procurement includes 3,500 vials of the 6-in-1 vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenzae, and Hepatitis B, in addition to pertussis.

Also procured were 1,012 bottles of Azithromycin and 1,000 bottles of Clarithromycin, which are antibiotics used to treat pertussis patients.

The 6-in-1 vaccine will be administered to children aged 6 weeks and older who have not yet received a pertussis vaccine.

Mayor Joy Belmonte stated that the purchased medical supplies have already been distributed to health centers, particularly in areas with high pertussis incidence.

The city government plans to procure more vaccines due to limited supply from the national government.

As of April 5, Quezon City has recorded 41 pertussis cases, including six fatalities, and the city government has provided assistance to affected families.