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Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan is urging Congress to swiftly approve a proposed measure that aims to expand the list of free vaccines given to Filipinos in all stages of life.

In a statement on Monday, Aug. 19, Yamsuan acknowledged that the emergence of more vaccine-preventable diseases requires the need to expand the list of the government’s mandatory immunization program.

“Dapat ay maging proactive tayo at laging handa sa halip na maging reactive lang ang aksyon pagdating sa kalusugan, lalo na ng ating mga anak,”  he said. 
 
(We should be proactive and always be prepared instead of just being reactive when it comes to health, especially of our children’s.)

Under his House Bill (HB) No. 1092, the list of vaccine-preventable diseases covered by the government’s National  Immunization Program would be expanded to include the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine; immunization from the rotavirus, Japanese encephalitis, human papilloma virus (HPV); and boosters for measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria.

The expanded list would also include other types of vaccines as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) upon the recommendation of Congress and a health experts’ group created under the bill. 
 
At present, Republic Act (RA) No. 10152 or the Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act are only limited to tuberculosis; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; poliomyelitis; measles; mumps; Rubella or German measles; hepatitis-B; and the H. Influenza type B (HIB).

As the name of the law indicates, it only covers the immunization of infants and children.

Yamsuan pointed out that by prioritizing preventive healthcare, such as free vaccines, Filipinos can avert bigger medical expenses that often bring “problems, stress and feelings of hopelessness”.
 
The Bicolano noted that his measure also aims to put a limit on the DOH’s authority in determining which type of vaccines should be included in the mandatory basic immunization program. 
 
He said the bill shall create a National Immunization Technical and Advisory Group (NITAG)—composed of experts from various health-related fields—that will assist the agency in formulating policies, plans, and strategies for the program.

The recommendation of the NITAG and the conduct of a separate or joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and the House Committee on Health are required before the DOH can include or exclude vaccines from the mandatory immunization list, he added.
 
“But when there is a pandemic, and when Congress is not in session, the public hearings need not be conducted,” Yamsuan noted. 

HB No. 1092 will also give the DOH the power to determine the vaccines suitable for various age groups.