Press Release
August 27, 2009

Villar to DoH: What's the Status of Order for AH1N1 Vaccines?
World Health Organization Said There Will Be Shortage of Vaccines in Asia

Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar expresses alarm over the latest pronouncement of the World Health Organization (WHO) that Asia will have a shortage of AH1N1 vaccines. Thus, he renews his call to the Department of Health (DoH) to ensure that the country will have enough stockpile of the vaccines when they become available.

"The first batches of the AH1N1 vaccines will be available by October. The DoH has not made it clear to the public whether our country is on the list among the countries that have placed advanced orders for the vaccines. Do we have purchase contracts with vaccine manufacturers already?," said Villar.

The WHO expects swine flu infections to surge at the onset of the cold season in the region, so there will likely be a scramble for the supply of the vaccines. Australia, China and Japan would begin production of the vaccines next month. But these are not even enough for their own populations. Other countries such as Singapore and Hong Kong have inked purchase contracts with vaccines manufacturers to ensure supply.

"We should ensure that our people would have access to the vaccines as soon as they are available so we can further contain the spread of the virus. This should be communicated to the public," Villar said.

President Arroyo has authorized the DoH through Administrative Order No. 268 to purchase flu vaccines to ensure the country has adequate stockpile. The A.O. orders the DoH to take initial steps towards local manufacturers and low-cost importation of flu vaccines under compulsory licensing by law during national health emergencies.

According to Villar, "In fact, we should already be coordinating with local and foreign manufacturers so like other countries in the region, we can start producing the vaccines locally. We should not wait for a health crisis or emergency to hit us again."

Based on A.O 268, "The Department of Health, directly or through any authorized government agency, shall buy the bulk of deliveries of Influenza A (H1N1) vaccines to ensure enough supply for high-risk groups."

News Latest News Feed