QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 7846)
Republic Act No. 7846 is titled “Compulsory Hepatitis-B Vaccination Act.” Its purpose is to require compulsory immunization against Hepatitis-B for infants and children below eight (8) years old, amending Presidential Decree No. 996 and appropriating funds.
RA 7846 amends Presidential Decree No. 996. Specifically, it amends Section 2 of PD 996.
It includes: (a) BCG; (b) diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; (c) oral poliomyelitis; (d) protection against measles; (e) rubella; (f) immunization against Hepatitis-B; and (g) such other basic immunization services for infants and children below eight years as determined by the Secretary of Health in a department circular.
Infants and children below eight (8) years old.
They must be given Hepatitis-B immunization within twenty-four (24) hours after birth.
It allows the Secretary of Health, through a department circular, to determine “such other basic immunization services” for infants and children below eight years old.
It shows that RA 7846’s principal legislative intent is to modify the existing immunization framework under PD 996 by adding Hepatitis-B (and related provisions) into the list of basic immunization services.
Hepatitis-B immunization must be administered within 24 hours after birth.
The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment, and thereafter.
It takes effect upon its approval and completion of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Because the Act expressly conditions effectivity not only on approval but also on completion of publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.
The Secretary of Health may determine, via department circular, other basic immunization services for infants and children below eight years old.
BCG (tuberculosis), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, oral poliomyelitis, measles, and rubella.
The text specifically provides a 24-hour timing requirement only for newborn infants of women with Hepatitis-B; it does not state a general timing schedule for all covered children in the provided text.
It legally elevates Hepatitis-B immunization to a required component of basic immunization services for the covered age group, alongside the other enumerated vaccines.
RA 7846 modifies PD 996 by amending its Section 2 (Scope), specifically adding Hepatitis-B to basic immunization services and adding related conditions, while PD 996 continues to govern other aspects not inconsistent with the amendment.