House OKs bill expanding mandatory immunization program on third reading

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the proposed measure seeking to expand the mandatory immunization program for all life stages.

Voting 206-1-1, the lower chamber of Congress approved House Bill 8558 or the proposed "Mandatory Immunization Program Act," repealing Republic Act 10152 or the “Mandatory Infants and Children Immunization Act of 2011."

The bill aims to improve the country's efforts on disease prevention.

The measure provides the list of diseases which will now be covered by the national immunization program. These include the following:

•     tuberculosis
•     diphtheria
•     tetanus and pertussis
•     poliomyelitis
•     measles
•     mumps

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•     rubella or German measles
•     hepatitis-B
•     H. influenza type B (HIB)
•     rotavirus
•     Japanese encephalitis
•     pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
•     human papilloma virus (HPV)

Also included in the national immunization program are booster for measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria (MRTD).

The measure mandates the provision of free vaccines in government hospitals or facilities, any public school or community under its school-based or community-based immunization program as well as in other private health facilities.

It also directs the Department of Health to conduct massive and continuing education and information campaigns on the importance of immunization.—AOL, GMA News