QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10152)
RA 10152 is the “Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011.” It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
The State adopts a proactive role in preventive health care of infants and children by establishing a comprehensive, mandatory, and sustainable immunization program for vaccine-preventable diseases for all infants and children.
It covers: (a) Tuberculosis; (b) Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; (c) Poliomyelitis; (d) Measles; (e) Mumps; (f) Rubella or German measles; (g) Hepatitis-B; (h) Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB); and (i) such other types as determined by the Secretary of Health in a DOH department circular.
The mandatory basic immunization is for all infants and children up to five (5) years of age.
It shall be given for free at any government hospital or health center.
It must be administered within twenty-four (24) hours after birth.
Any duly licensed physician, nurse, or midwife who delivers or assists in the delivery is responsible for administering the vaccine within twenty-four (24) hours after birth; if assisted by persons other than the health professionals mentioned, the infant should be brought to any available health care facility for immunization within twenty-four (24) hours after birth but not later than seven (7) days.
Subsequent doses must be completed according to the recommended Hepatitis-B immunization schedule provided in the implementing rules and regulations to be issued by the DOH.
They must educate all pregnant mothers on the importance of giving their infants basic immunization services and any possible effects of immunization.
The DOH, other government agencies, NGOs, professional and academic societies, and local government units must make available appropriate information materials and establish a system for their distribution to the public.
Any physician, nurse, midwife, nursing aide, or skilled birth attendant who delivers or assists in the delivery must, prior to delivery, inform parents or legal guardian of the newborn of the availability, nature, and benefits of immunization against Hepatitis-B and other vaccine-preventable diseases at birth.
The DOH, with assistance of local government units, academe, professional societies, and NGOs, must undertake continuing information, education, and training programs for all health personnel on the rationale and benefits and on modern procedures for immunization.
The amount necessary to carry out implementation is charged against the current year’s appropriations for the DOH’s Expanded Program on Immunization; thereafter, necessary funds are included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
PHIC shall include the basic immunization services in its benefit package.
Separability: If any part is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected continue in force. Repealing: All inconsistent laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, regulations, or parts thereof are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.