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House Oks Mandatory immunization measure

The House of Representatives has approved on final reading recently a measure that seeks to expand the mandatory immunization program for all life stages to further enhance the country’s efforts towards disease prevention.

With 206 affirmative votes, one negative vote, and one abstention, the chamber passed on third reading House

The measure, “Mandatory Immunization Program Act” (HB 8558) will repeal RA 10152, the “Mandatory Infants and Children Immunization Act” of 2011.

Under the bill, the mandatory immunization program shall include vaccination for preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, tuberculosis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, mumps,  rubella or German measles, hepatitis-B, influenza, etc.

It will also include such other types of vaccine-preventable diseases as may be determined by the Secretary of Health upon the recommendation of the National Immunization Technical and Advisory Group (NITAG) and after a separate or joint public hearing conducted by the health panels of Congress.

Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, the bill’s author, said the measure perfectly comes at a time when the country is looking forward toward the introduction of Covid-19 vaccine, which is likely to become available in the country anytime soon.

“I am certain that this health legislation will pave the way for a more relevant, responsive, and reinvigorated immunization program that all Filipinos so badly needs at this point,” Tan said.

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