Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10152)
The short title of Republic Act No. 10152 is the 'Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011.'
The State declares it is its policy to take a proactive role in the preventive health care of infants and children by adopting a comprehensive, mandatory, and sustainable immunization program for vaccine-preventable diseases.
The mandatory basic immunization covers all infants and children up to five (5) years of age.
The diseases covered include Tuberculosis; Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; Poliomyelitis; Measles; Mumps; Rubella or German measles; Hepatitis-B; H. Influenza type B (HIB); and other types determined by the Secretary of Health.
They can receive free immunization at any government hospital or health center.
The Hepatitis-B vaccine must be administered within twenty-four (24) hours after birth by a duly licensed physician, nurse, or midwife in hospitals, health infirmaries, health centers, or lying-in centers, whether public or private. If the infant is born elsewhere, a licensed health professional who delivers or assists in the delivery must administer it, or the infant must be brought to a health care facility within 24 hours, but not later than seven (7) days.
All health care practitioners or workers administering prenatal care must educate pregnant mothers on the importance of basic immunization for infants and children and possible effects of immunization.
They must inform the parents or legal guardian prior to delivery about the availability, nature, and benefits of immunization against Hepatitis-B and other vaccine-preventable diseases at birth.
The Department of Health, with assistance from local government units, academe, professional societies, and NGOs, shall conduct continuing education and training programs on the rationale, benefits, and procedures of immunization.
The initial funding for this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations for the expanded program on immunization of the Department of Health. Succeeding funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation shall include basic immunization in its benefit package.
The Department of Health, in consultation with the National Immunization Committee, shall issue the IRR within ninety (90) days after the approval of the Act.
The remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect, as per the separability clause.
All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.