Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano called on the Department of Health (DOH) to address the shortage of vaccine for the highly contagious pertussis or whooping cough amid an increase in cases in the country.
Cayetano said the DOH should provide concrete answers on the delivery and availability of the vaccine.
Mayor Lani Cayetano holding a meeting about pertussis updates in Taguig (Photos from the Taguig City government)
"Children are in danger because there is a shortage of vaccines. Kahit hindi pandemic level ito, it is still very alarming. We are asking the Department of Health to provide us with definite answers regarding the availability of vaccines for pertussis," Cayetano said in a statement.
Cayetano emphasized the DOH’s apparent lack of urgency in purchasing and distributing vaccines, particularly against pertussis.
"Our goal is to vaccinate all children within Taguig's jurisdiction. However, our efforts are hampered by the insufficient supply provided by the national government. It is crucial for us in our City to emphasize the need for transparency and accountability, particularly to reassure our concerned parents,” she said.
According to the DOH on April 9, from Jan. 1 to March 30 this year, 1,112 cases of pertussis were recorded, including 54 deaths. The total is 34 times that of the same period last year where only 32 cases were reported.
IT said the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office in the Western Pacific (WPRO) confirmed last April 5 that measles and pertussis are concerns of many countries, because the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns hampered routine vaccination.
Of the total pertussis cases recorded to date, 77 percent were less than five years old. Adults aged 20 and older account for only around 4 percent of the cases.
Pertussis can spread by coughing and can cause intense coughing fits and a loud breathing sound.
The Taguig City government said pertussis is very contagious and risky for babies under six months old.
Symptoms start like a common cold but can get much worse, leading to serious issues like breathing problems and pneumonia, it added.
The city government added that while medicines are available to treat the disease, the best way to prevent it is by getting vaccinated early, following the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine schedule starting at six weeks old.
It advised the public that wearing masks in busy places and keeping hands clean are also important to stop the spread and keep everyone safe.