Philippines Receives 500,000 Doses of Pentavalent Vaccine to Combat Pertussis and Other Diseases

The Philippines has received 500,000 doses of pentavalent vaccines, a crucial step in protecting its citizens against five potentially life-threatening diseases. These vaccines, which shield against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b, arrived in the country this month and are currently being stored in cold facilities. The Department of Health (DOH) is finalizing paperwork to ensure swift distribution to government health centers nationwide. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasizes the importance of continued routine vaccinations to prevent a resurgence in pertussis cases, especially as recent data shows a decline in cases since July. An additional 750,000 doses of the pentavalent vaccine are expected to arrive next week, further bolstering the country’s efforts to protect its youngest citizens.