DOH says PH yet to procure monkeypox vaccines, eyes getting antivirals

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said the country has not yet procured vaccines against monkeypox. But it also revealed that there are discussions for the possible acquisition of antivirals against the monkeypox virus.

“Monkeypox vaccination is not yet included in the National Immunization Program,” the DOH said in a statement. “Although there is a monkeypox vaccine developed already, this is not yet widely available according to [World Health Organization].”

READ: WHO says no urgent need for mass monkeypox vaccinations

The health department said it is exploring all possible available sources and “expedient legal methods” for the procurement of monkeypox vaccines.

“As part of the mandate of DOH to provide safety through the delivery of public health services, consultations and review must be done with expert societies and development partners in terms of vaccination, and priority population groups,” it said.

The DOH also disclosed there are “internal discussions” for the purchase of antivirals against monkeypox.

“There are ongoing internal discussions, based on scientific evidence, for the possible acquisition of antivirals in the event of an outbreak of severe cases,” it said.

Moreover, the DOH said they are in talks with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Philippine Genome Center for laboratory requirements in the monitoring and surveillance of monkeypox through RT-PCR.

As for the specific brands of RT-PCR tests, the DOH said they will rely on scientific evidence to guide the decisions for procurement.

“We will provide updates once substantive developments have occurred,” it assured.

So far, the government has not detected any presence of monkeypox in the Philippines.

Monkeypox outbreaks were recorded in Europe and North America, along with recent reports in Australia and Canada.  The disease, which is said to be endemic in Africa, is feared to be spreading across Europe and is being transmitted by travelers.

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