DOH must address shortage of pentavalent and PCV vaccines in RHUs

I want to share this tip because it affects me as a parent of a newborn.

We all want what is best for our children and we do know the importance of vaccinations for newborns. My elder daughter was able to complete her vaccinations in time back in 2017 since vaccines were readily available in our rural health unit (RHU). However, my youngest couldn’t because there have been no available pentavalent and PCV vaccines (given in three doses, 1.5-2.5-3.5 months of life) since early February in Angeles City. Only oral polio vaccine is available.

I inquired at the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 3 by email and they mentioned that they haven’t yet received any stocks from the central office in Manila. I also contacted some representatives from the central office and one pharmacist mentioned that they have just awarded the bid to one supplier and it will take 90 days or more for the new stocks to be delivered to the national office. That will take extra days or even months to distribute to provinces.

These vaccines are offered for free in RHUs. However, waiting for another three or four months for them to be available in Angeles City won’t be beneficial to my three-month-old child. He will not be protected from exposure to diseases in the environment. I decided to bring him to a private clinic and avail of the six-in-one vaccine that costs P3,800 per shot. We have to bring him for two more sessions which means more money. The same vaccines cost a third of the cost when availed from Indian pharmaceuticals. Pediatric vaccines are too expensive here in the country!

The Expanded Program on Immunization by the DOH is meant to curb childhood illness and mortality. Was it a lack of foresight or preparation from DOH that caused this shortage? Was it the long bidding process?

I hope your publication can help me get more answers from the DOH so this won’t happen again. Filipino children deserve better healthcare.

Michael Lagarde, MAN, RN, parent/nurse/concerned citizen