AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY BASIC IMMUNIZATION SERVICES FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 10152 (Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011)

Declaration of Policy (Section 2)
- The State shall adopt a comprehensive, mandatory and sustainable immunization program for vaccine-preventable diseases for all infants and children.

Coverage (Section 3)
- Mandatory basic immunization shall cover the following vaccine-preventable diseases:
• Tuberculosis
• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
• Poliomyelitis
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella or German measles
• Hepatitis-B
• H. Influenza type B (HIB)
• Other types as determined by the Secretary of Health (Section 3i)
- Mandatory basic immunization shall be given for free at any government hospital or health center to infants and children up to five (5) years of age. (Section 3)
- Hepatitis-B vaccine shall be administered within twenty-four (24) hours after birth by a licensed physician, nurse or midwife. (Section 3)

Education and Information Campaign (Section 4)
- Health care practitioners administering prenatal care shall educate pregnant mothers on the importance and possible effects of immunization.
- The DOH, other government agencies, NGOs, professional and academic societies, and local government units shall make available appropriate information materials and have a system of distribution to the public.

Obligation to Inform (Section 5)
- Any physician, nurse, midwife, nursing aide or skilled birth attendant shall inform parents or legal guardian of the newborn about the availability, nature and benefits of immunization against Hepatitis-B and other vaccine-preventable diseases at birth.

Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel (Section 6)
- The DOH, with assistance from local government units, academe, professional societies and NGOs, shall undertake continuing information, education and training programs for all health personnel on the rationale, benefits and modern procedures for immunization.

Appropriations (Section 7)
- The amount necessary for implementation shall be charged against the current year's appropriations for expanded program on immunization of the DOH.
- Subsequent appropriations shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) shall include the basic immunization services in its benefit package.

Implementing Rules and Regulations (Section 8)
- The DOH, in consultation with the National Immunization Committee, shall issue the implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act.

Repealing Clause (Section 10)
- All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Effectivity (Section 11)
- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.