DOH warns against unregulated mpox vaccine imports

On Friday, September 13, 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public about purchasing unregulated mpox vaccines imported from abroad.

The DOH stated that these vaccines may be sold by groups or individuals without proper regulatory oversight from agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Mpox vaccines require specific storage conditions, such as cold chain management, which cannot be guaranteed for unauthorized imports.

Without DOH and FDA safeguards, there is no assurance of safety and efficacy for these unregulated vaccines.

As of September 13, 2024, the Philippines has reported a total of 23 mpox cases since 2022, with 15 recorded in 2024 classified as milder virus clade II.

The public is advised to wait for legally available vaccines within the country to ensure they receive authentic and effective protection against mpox.

To prevent mpox infection, the DOH recommends avoiding close, intimate skin-to-skin contact and practicing hand washing.