Three million vaccine doses against pertussis or whooping cough and other diseases will arrive in the country "at the soonest possible time," according to the Department of Health (DOH).
"As of today, we see 3 million more 'pentavalent' vaccine doses arriving at the soonest possible time. These pentavalent vaccines protect not only against Pertussis, but also against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Hemophilus influenza type B," DOH said in a press statement issued Monday, March 25.
The agency said its Secretary Teodoro Herbosa also ordered the swift delivery of one million of the five million vaccine doses against measles-rubella.
As per DOH, daily activities remain undisrupted, and wearing of face masks "continues to be voluntary but highly encouraged."
"Cover coughs (cough into your elbow), and choose well-ventilated areas. The best solution is vaccination. Should there be any symptoms or health concerns, please consult your doctor or nearest health center," it added.
The health department has recorded 453 pertussis cases nationwide, as confirmed by DOH spokesperson Eric Tayag during a Saturday news forum.
"As of March 9, sa bansa ay nag-report ng 453 cases at 35 yung naiulat na namatay. Kaya lang kinukumpirma pa namin yung mga kaso ng pertussis. Kagaya sa COVID, nagkakaroon ng swab at ito ay dinadala sa laboratory," he said.
Out of the 453, Tayag said 167 pertussis cases were confirmed.
Metro Manila reportedly has the most pertussis cases recorded, followed by CALABARZON and Central Visayas.
A pertussis outbreak has been declared in Quezon City and Iloilo City due to rising cases of the respiratory infection.
Pertussis or whooping cough may be passed on when an infected person sneezes or coughs and transfers the bacteria to other people. The symptoms are fever, sore throat, and cough.
