Vax procurement delays ‘risky’

A public health advocate is urging the government to speed up the procurement and distribution of vaccines, warning that delays are putting vulnerable populations at risk of preventable diseases.

Dr. Mikaella Jeleene Asoy, lead convenor for the group Bayan Bakuna, said the Philippines is experiencing a resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses, especially measles. According to the World Health Organization, the country reported 2,068 measles cases between January and May alone.

“We urge the government to fast-track procurement, as millions of Filipinos depend on timely access to free vaccines for protection,” Asoy said.

She noted that several vaccines, including those for measles-rubella, human papillomavirus, tetanus-diphtheria, pneumococcal disease and influenza, have not yet been awarded or are still in the bidding phase.

Asoy added that this is particularly concerning for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, which are ideally administered before the rainy season begins.

As of January 2025, only 61 percent of eligible children are fully immunized, well below the 95 percent target for herd immunity.

Bayan Bakuna expressed optimism that the process will move faster following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call in July for the Department of Health to complete childhood immunizations.

Asoy said that with up to 16 tropical cyclones expected from August to December, the rainy season could trigger a rise in respiratory infections like the flu and pneumonia, which pose serious threats to unvaccinated seniors and other high-risk groups.

“Timely vaccine delivery is critical to keeping our communities protected,” Asoy said. “By ensuring vaccines reach our communities on time, we ease the burden on hospitals and safeguard high-risk groups from preventable illness.”

She also encouraged the public to ask their local health centers about available free vaccines.