The Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) said it is supporting the routine and catch-up immunization program and the ongoing Bakuna Eskwelacampaign led by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
This campaign is vital for ensuring the health and wellness of Filipino students through comprehensive vaccination efforts, PHAP said.
PHAP, a group representing the biopharmaceutical sector in the country, believes that vaccination programs play a crucial role in public health by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).
Vaccinations are one of the most effective public health interventions, significantly reducing the incidence of VPDs. Maintaining high immunization coverage in communities and schools is critical to prevent outbreaks and control disease transmission.
Furthermore, vaccination programs have been pivotal in reducing child mortality rates and improving overall community health and continued support and expansion of these programs are essential to retain these positive health outcomes.
To enhance the effectiveness of vaccination initiatives, it is crucial to modernize programmatic efforts. Leveraging digital technologies can streamline vaccine distribution, schedule immunizations more efficiently, and ensure real-time tracking of vaccine coverage and efficacy.
Modernized data systems can identify and address gaps quickly, ensuring no community is left behind. Integrating these advanced systems will not only improve the administration of vaccines but also build public trust through transparent reporting and accountability.
Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Role of the Pharmaceutical Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a robust healthcare infrastructure, particularly in immunization. Since the pandemic, PHAP and its Members have been at the forefront of efforts to make COVID-19 vaccines and other life-saving vaccines available in the country amidst lockdowns, trade restrictions, global demand, and political instabilities.
Rapid vaccine development for COVID-19 demonstrated the biopharmaceutical industry’s capability to innovate under pressure. Learning from this experience, it is evident that strong public-private partnerships can accelerate vaccine development and distribution. The pharmaceutical industry plays a pivotal role in researching, developing, and supplying vaccines. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies are essential to ensure rapid responses to emerging health threats.
Coverage for New Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs)
Expanding vaccination coverage to include new VPDs such as dengue, shingles, invasive meningococcal disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a critical step forward. Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease prevalent in tropical regions like the Philippines, poses a significant health risk, and introducing a dengue vaccine can mitigate outbreaks. Shingles vaccination is crucial for the elderly, reducing the incidence and severity of this painful condition. Invasive meningococcal disease, a life-threatening infection that can lead to severe complications, requires vaccination to protect at-risk groups, especially children and young adults. RSV, a common cause of respiratory infections in infants and the elderly, can greatly benefit from a vaccine, reducing hospitalizations and severe outcomes. The Human papilloma virus (HPV), is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to HPV-related cancers including cervical cancer which the second most common cancer among women. Currently, the government is implementing a vaccination program for 9-14 year old girls from public schools. Introducing and expanding the coverage of these new vaccines can help ensure comprehensive protection for the Filipino population.
Advocacy for Continued and Expanded Vaccination Programs
We advocate for sustained and expanded vaccination programs, emphasizing the need for ongoing support for existing vaccination initiatives. Strong collaboration among DOH, DepEd, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and PHAP is necessary to maintain and enhance current vaccination efforts. This includes the allocation of adequate resources and funding to ensure that vaccines are available and accessible to all students & communities. Regular assessments of emerging health threats are also vital, with the introduction of new, scientifically-validated vaccines to address these threats and incorporate them into the national immunization schedule.
Addressing vaccine-preventable deaths requires a concerted effort in public awareness and education. We must launch educational campaigns to inform parents, guardians, and the community about the benefits and safety of vaccines, combating vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Additionally, establishing robust monitoring systems to track vaccine coverage and VPD incidence is essential. Data-driven approaches will help identify gaps and target areas with low immunization rates.
Finally, PHAP reiterates our unwavering support for the immunization programs of the Philippines government and for their progressive efforts in rebuilding trust and confidence in vaccination. By ensuring continued and expanded vaccination efforts, we aim to protect the health of our children and pave the way to a healthier, more resilient Philippines. Modernizing immunization efforts and drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic will fortify our public health infrastructure against future challenges.
We call upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and the broader community, to unite in support of our national vaccination programs. Together, we can achieve our goal of preventing vaccine-preventable deaths, improving patient health outcomes,covering new VPDs, and helping safeguard the health of our nation.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “PHAP calls for unified effort in immunizing Filipino students.”
