HB 8558 approves on second reading - Rep. Tan

by Raadee Sausa February 6, 2021  Committee on Health chairperson Helen Tan of Que...

by Raadee Sausa
February 6, 2021

 Committee on Health chairperson Helen Tan of Quezon. (Photo from her FB Account)

LUCENA CITY - A lawmaker reveals that the bill seeking to enhance the country's disease prevention efforts by expanding the mandatory immunization program for all life stages was approved on second reading.

House Committee on Health chairperson Helen Tan of Quezon, who principally authored the measure, welcomed its approval on second reading.



“The timing for the approval of this significant health measure cannot be more perfect as the country is looking forward toward the introduction of COVID-19 vaccine, which is likely to become available in the country anytime soon," she said.

In a vote of ayes and nays, the chamber approved House Bill (HB) 8558, or the proposed "Mandatory Immunization Program Act," repealing RA 10152 or the “Mandatory Infants and Children Immunization Act of 2011."



The measure provides the list of diseases which will now be covered the national immunization program, namely: tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, 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).



Besides these diseases, the immunization program will also cover other vaccine-preventable illnesses as may be determined by the Health secretary upon the recommendation of the National Immunization Technical and Advisory Group and after a separate or joint public hearing conducted by the health panels of Congress.

The Department of Health (DoH) is mandated under the measure to conduct massive and continuing education and information campaigns on the importance of immunization to boost public confidence in vaccines.

"I am certain that this health legislation will pave the way for a more relevant, responsive, and reinvigorated immunization program that all Filipinos so badly need at this point," Tan added.