The city government of Taguig is seeking immediate action from the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the shortage of vaccines against pertussis.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano stated that the health of children, especially those at risk of pertussis, is being jeopardized as the required vaccines are not being supplied to local health centers.
"Children are in danger because there is a shortage of vaccines. Even though this is not at a pandemic level, it is still very alarming. We are asking the Department of Health to provide us with definite answers regarding the availability of vaccines for pertussis," said Cayetano.
According to DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, the decline in stock of the pentavalent (5-in-1) vaccine is due to the increasing cases of pertussis in the country. As of the latest count on March 25, the vaccine stock stands at just 64,400 doses.
He added that there are alternatives available like the Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) to protect the children while waiting for the new batch of 3 million pentavalent vaccines.
In addition, there are stocks of pentavalent and TDaP vaccines available in the private sector.
From January 1 to March 30, 2024, there have been a total of 1,112 cases of pertussis in the country, and 54 fatalities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that measles and pertussis are global issues after routine vaccination for children was not administered during the Covid-19 lockdown.
(Photos from Taguig PIO and Department of Health)
