A group of vaccine advocates yesterday called on the Department of Health (DOH) to hasten its procurement of vaccines needed to prevent multiple illnesses, especially among children and the elderly.
“We urge the government to fast-track procurement as millions of Filipinos depend on timely access to free vaccines for protection,” Bayan Bakuna lead convenor Dr. Mikaella Jeleene Salinas Asoy said in a statement.
“Timely vaccine delivery is critical to keeping our communities protected,” she added.
The group said it is issuing the call as several vaccines, such as measles-rubella (MR), human papillomavirus (HPV), tetanus-diphtheria (Td), pneumococcal, and influenza, remain unawarded or are still undergoing rebidding, despite procurement requests dating back to the first quarter of 2025.
“This is especially alarming for vaccines for influenza and pneumococcal, which are ideally administered before the rainy season, to allow time for immunity to develop,” said Asoy.
She pointed out that having a fully immunized population will help prevent a surge in vaccine-preventable diseases.
“By ensuring vaccines reach our communities on time, we ease the burden on hospitals and safeguard high-risk groups from preventable illness,” said Asoy.
Bayan Bakuna is a grassroots organization that aims to promote health and welfare, especially of the elderly. Their advocacies include the provision of free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines
