DOH assures public: Flu vaccines in the Philippines safe

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday assured the public that the flu vaccines available in the Philippines are safe to use amid reports of deaths that are being linked to influenza vaccination in South Korea.

"We also undertake AEFI (adverse events following immunization) or the regular surveillance of flu vaccine and as of this time, there is no reported AEFI with flu vaccine in the country," Dr. Beverly Ho, DOH Director for Promotion and Communication Service, said in an online forum.

"The FDA has also checked the lots and batches that are being investigated in Korea and Singapore and none are found here. Our flu vaccines are safe and the immunization program of the DOH will continue to push through as planned," she added.

Ho gave this assurance on the heels of Singapore's temporary cessation of use of two flu vaccines manufactured by SK Bioscience and Sanofi Pasteur.

Singapore's Ministry of Health decided to take such action following reported deaths in South Korea allegedly linked to the administration of seven brands of flu vaccines.

During the DOH's online forum, the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines said there is no shortage of flu vaccines in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic. — RSJ, GMA News