DOH: No FDA-registered mpox vaccine yet in PH | ABS-CBN
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DOH: No FDA-registered mpox vaccine yet in PH
MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any mpox vaccine to date.
MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any mpox vaccine to date.
Health Sec. Ted Herbosa raised the issue upon discovery of a social media post of a spa, allegedly claiming to have "mpox-vaccinated" staff.
Health Sec. Ted Herbosa raised the issue upon discovery of a social media post of a spa, allegedly claiming to have "mpox-vaccinated" staff.
"Meron kaming na-monitor na nagsasabing meron silang spa na lahat ng kanilang workers ay bakunado. Ang gusto kong sabihin po, wala pang inaprubahan ang FDA na bakuna ng mpox sa Pilipinas. So hindi ko alam kung ila-label silang fake news o baka naman totoo, eh contraband iyong bakuna na ipinasok nila," Herbosa said in a press conference.
"Meron kaming na-monitor na nagsasabing meron silang spa na lahat ng kanilang workers ay bakunado. Ang gusto kong sabihin po, wala pang inaprubahan ang FDA na bakuna ng mpox sa Pilipinas. So hindi ko alam kung ila-label silang fake news o baka naman totoo, eh contraband iyong bakuna na ipinasok nila," Herbosa said in a press conference.
"Kasi ang usapan sa World Health Organization, lahat ng bakuna pupunta muna sa Democratic Republic of Congo. Kung meron silang nakuhang bakuna, hindi po rehistrado sa aming Food and Drug Administration... Paimbestigahan namin itong social media post, baka nagmamalaki lang ito e hindi naman totoo iyong sinasabi niya. Parang wrong advertising," he added.
"Kasi ang usapan sa World Health Organization, lahat ng bakuna pupunta muna sa Democratic Republic of Congo. Kung meron silang nakuhang bakuna, hindi po rehistrado sa aming Food and Drug Administration... Paimbestigahan namin itong social media post, baka nagmamalaki lang ito e hindi naman totoo iyong sinasabi niya. Parang wrong advertising," he added.
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Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo echoed this.
Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo echoed this.
"Upon learning of an advertisement by a spa that its therapists are allegedly vaccinated against mpox, the DOH has referred the matter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for investigation," he said in a Viber message to ABS-CBN News.
"Upon learning of an advertisement by a spa that its therapists are allegedly vaccinated against mpox, the DOH has referred the matter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for investigation," he said in a Viber message to ABS-CBN News.
"The DOH also reminded that internationally, mpox vaccines are being directed for use in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," he added.
"The DOH also reminded that internationally, mpox vaccines are being directed for use in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," he added.
MPOX VACCINES
The Philippines is set to receive over 2,000 doses of vaccines that will help prevent mpox "in the next few months", but Herbosa believes a more effective way to prevent mpox is to practice cleanliness.
The Philippines is set to receive over 2,000 doses of vaccines that will help prevent mpox "in the next few months", but Herbosa believes a more effective way to prevent mpox is to practice cleanliness.
"Nakikita niyo napakadaling i-control ng mpox. I don't need a vaccine to control it. With good public health, iyong tinatawag nating prevention, detection, isolation nape-prevent iyong pagkalat niya. Unlike iyong sakit na airborne, like measles or like COVID-19," he said.
"Nakikita niyo napakadaling i-control ng mpox. I don't need a vaccine to control it. With good public health, iyong tinatawag nating prevention, detection, isolation nape-prevent iyong pagkalat niya. Unlike iyong sakit na airborne, like measles or like COVID-19," he said.
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Herbosa said the vaccines will likely help those who are at "high risk" - but added this is not the only way to prevent mpox.
Herbosa said the vaccines will likely help those who are at "high risk" - but added this is not the only way to prevent mpox.
"Iyong bakunang ito makakatulong lang ito sa mga taong high-risk mamatay. So ibigay mo lang sa taong may HIV or may ibang concomitant illness... Hindi bakuna ang pag-prevent, kundi cleanliness," he said.
"Iyong bakunang ito makakatulong lang ito sa mga taong high-risk mamatay. So ibigay mo lang sa taong may HIV or may ibang concomitant illness... Hindi bakuna ang pag-prevent, kundi cleanliness," he said.
"Nakapila ako for 2,500 doses of vaccines. Kung meron man tayong mga pasyente na clinically baka kailangan, at least, meron na tayong available," he added.
"Nakapila ako for 2,500 doses of vaccines. Kung meron man tayong mga pasyente na clinically baka kailangan, at least, meron na tayong available," he added.
Herbosa said Brunei offered the Philippines vaccines doses from the "ASEAN share".
Herbosa said Brunei offered the Philippines vaccines doses from the "ASEAN share".
He expects delivery in the next months, although the Philippines is "not a priority" as areas with outbreaks will get the vaccines first, including Africa.
He expects delivery in the next months, although the Philippines is "not a priority" as areas with outbreaks will get the vaccines first, including Africa.
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The official asked those who suspect of having mpox to get tested and follow doctor's advice when diagnosed with the disease.
The official asked those who suspect of having mpox to get tested and follow doctor's advice when diagnosed with the disease.
"Kahit hindi pa dumating, iyang bakuna na iyan, kayang-kaya nating makontrol ang pagkalat ng mpox," Herbosa said.
"Kahit hindi pa dumating, iyang bakuna na iyan, kayang-kaya nating makontrol ang pagkalat ng mpox," Herbosa said.
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