DOH prioritizes 'most vulnerable' for pertussis vaccine | ABS-CBN
ADVERTISEMENT
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
DOH prioritizes 'most vulnerable' for pertussis vaccine
DOH prioritizes 'most vulnerable' for pertussis vaccine
ABS-CBN News
Published Apr 02, 2024 12:38 PM PHT
|
Updated Jun 10, 2024 01:45 PM PHT
A child receives vaccination. Photo by Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
A child receives vaccination. Photo by Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — The Department of Health said it is prioritizing the "most vulnerable" population for the vaccines that protect against the highly transmissible pertussis infection or whooping cough.
MANILA — The Department of Health said it is prioritizing the "most vulnerable" population for the vaccines that protect against the highly transmissible pertussis infection or whooping cough.
The government is awaiting the arrival of some 3 million pentavalent shots that protect not only against pertussis but also against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hemophilus influenza type B.
The government is awaiting the arrival of some 3 million pentavalent shots that protect not only against pertussis but also against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hemophilus influenza type B.
The DOH is already administering some 64,400 shots to children to stamp out the resurgence of pertussis, which spreads through droplets produced from coughing or sneezing and could be life-threatening, especially among kids and infants.
The DOH is already administering some 64,400 shots to children to stamp out the resurgence of pertussis, which spreads through droplets produced from coughing or sneezing and could be life-threatening, especially among kids and infants.
In a statement Monday, the DOH said it recorded 568 pertussis cases from January 1 to March 16, 2024. Of the total number, 393 were ages below one year.
In a statement Monday, the DOH said it recorded 568 pertussis cases from January 1 to March 16, 2024. Of the total number, 393 were ages below one year.
The health department said that focusing the vaccination of the free 5-in-1 shots to the youngest population — as early as 6 weeks of age — will provide "multivalent protection" to the age group as they grow older.
The health department said that focusing the vaccination of the free 5-in-1 shots to the youngest population — as early as 6 weeks of age — will provide "multivalent protection" to the age group as they grow older.
"In a situation with limited resources, the DOH is choosing to protect the most vulnerable first, and is open to exploring ways to make access to the vaccines easier for the other population groups," the agency said.
"In a situation with limited resources, the DOH is choosing to protect the most vulnerable first, and is open to exploring ways to make access to the vaccines easier for the other population groups," the agency said.
The DOH statement came after the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) also recommended booster shots for children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant women who have completed the primary vaccination.
The DOH statement came after the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) also recommended booster shots for children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant women who have completed the primary vaccination.
The PCP said that while teens and adults may only experience "milder" symptoms, they are also at risk of severe illness, especially for the unvaccinated elderly population and those with underlying health conditions.
The PCP said that while teens and adults may only experience "milder" symptoms, they are also at risk of severe illness, especially for the unvaccinated elderly population and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Tony Leachon, a former government health adviser, has recommended masking in pertussis outbreak areas in the Philippines, as he cautioned that adults could also be carriers of the respiratory ailment.
Dr. Tony Leachon, a former government health adviser, has recommended masking in pertussis outbreak areas in the Philippines, as he cautioned that adults could also be carriers of the respiratory ailment.
Watch more News on iWantTFC.com. Watch hundreds of Pinoy shows, movies, live sports and news.
Watch more News on iWantTFC.com. Watch hundreds of Pinoy shows, movies, live sports and news.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
