DOH for revision of vax law if ‘state of calamity’ not extended

Apart from the national vaccination drive, Vergeire noted there are other protocols which are linked with the declaration of state of calamity due to Covid-19. (File Photo: Department of Health (Philippines)/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) is recommending the amendment of Republic Act (RA) 11525 or the act expediting the vaccine procurement and administration process, providing funds thereof, and for other purposes.

The DOH said this is in case the state of calamity declaration due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is not extended.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte extended the state of calamity throughout the country for one year from Sept. 13, 2021 to Sept. 12, 2022 under Proclamation 1218.

“We are recommending the RA 11525 which is the national vaccination law for Covid-19 be amended para maipasok natin sa batas na ito na gagawin, o the amended law, itong mga considerations natin (so we can include in the amended law our considerations),” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a media briefing Tuesday.

Apart from the national vaccination drive, Vergeire noted there are other protocols which are linked with the declaration of state of calamity due to Covid-19.

These are emergency use authority (EUA) for Covid-19 jabs, emergency procurement of vaccines, tax exemptions for vaccine manufacturers and donors, price caps on medicines used for Covid-19 treatment, and additional benefits of healthcare workers.

“Nakikipag-usap tayo sa (We’re discussing with the) legislative branch of government for us to amend RA 11525,” she said.

“EUA for vaccines still needs to continue, until now only one manufacturer has submitted [application for certificate of product registration],” she added.

As of August 15, more than 72.1 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated.

More than 17 million individuals have received their first booster dose while more than 1.8 million got their second booster shot.