It is expensive to be sick. But the good news is you can prevent many types of infections through vaccination. In the Philippines, this is one of the basic medical procedures that protects babies, children and adults from diseases. This is your ultimate guide to vaccines in the Philippines.
A vaccine is a substance that stimulates the production of antibodies. The substance may be a weak or dead form of a virus or bacteria. When given to a person, the body reacts and creates anti-bodies (or mini soldiers) to fight the infection.
Later, if that person is actually exposed to the same live virus or bacteria, the body is prepared to kill them because of the “training” given by the vaccine.
Benefits
The main benefit of vaccination is immunization. The body will be able to protect itself from future infections. Because of the vaccine, a person’s body can create defense mechanisms to protect it from getting the disease.
Most vaccines nowadays are easy to administer. They can be given as an injection shot or through oral vaccination.
Types of Vaccines in the Philippines
In the country, almost all types of vaccines in the market are available. These immunizations are usually given to newborn, babies, children and adults. A person may need a booster shot if there are no records of the previous vaccine.
Because there are different types of diseases caused by viruses and bacteria, the same is true for available vaccines.
Chicken Pox Vaccine
Also known as Varicella vaccine, it protects the person from having chickenpox. Depending on the age of the person, the doctor may recommend a one dose or two doses of this vaccine.
Flu Vaccine
Flu vaccine is one of the most common types of vaccines. It is also called Influenza shot. Usually, it is recommended by doctors every year because of the seasonal changes in the Flu virus strains.
Seasonal flu may change so a yearly protection through vaccine is important. The price of flu vaccine in the Philippines is affordable. Check out the current cost from hospitals, pharmacies and diagnostic clinics.
Watch out for Mercury Drug and Watsons flu vaccine services announcements.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
The vaccine is provided to prevent Hepatitis A disease. Usually, this is given to children as part of their immunization. At least two doses are mostly recommended by doctors but will depend on your condition and records.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Protects the person against hepatitis B virus that may infect the liver. If administered, the person is protected against hepatitis B. Usually, the vaccine is given in three shots or doses.
HPV Vaccine
The vaccine is ideally given to teenagers and adults. The HPV vaccine provides protection against the virus that causes warts that may result to cervical cancers.
Measles Vaccine (MMR Vaccine)
A measles vaccine is given usually to children. It protects the person from getting measles, mumps and rubella. In the Philippines, this vaccine comes as a package called MMR vaccine to protect the person from the three diseases. Measles is included in the immunization shot.
Meningitis Vaccines
Usually given to those who did not have any previous vaccines for Meningitis. This vaccine is mostly given to students with age ranges from children to teens.
Pneumonia Vaccine
Anti pneumonia vaccine or pneumonia shot protects the person from getting pneumococcal disease. It is a disease causes by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It provides long lasting protection.
This is usually recommended to people 65 years old and older and children younger than 2 years old. However, there are also special pneumonia shots for all ages depending on the recommendation of the doctor.
Polio Vaccine
It is one of the routine vaccines given to children in the Philippines. Most of the time, this vaccine is given free of charge from public health centers. However, you may also avail of the vaccine from your preferred private hospital.
Related: Polio Vaccine Price
Tetanus Vaccine (Anti Tetanus Shot)
Anti tetanus shot is usually given to people who recently had major wounds and animal bite. However, it may also be included in vaccine packages given to children.
A person who recently had a major and dirty wound or animal bite is usually given an anti tetanus vaccine. Doctor evaluation and recommendation is needed for booster shots. The price of anti tetanus shot may also be included in a package for animal bits.
Read: Anti Tetanus Shot Prices
Typhoid Vaccine
This vaccine prevents typhoid fever. It is usually recommended for travelers who are going to high risk countries. The shot may last up to two years of protection. There is also an oral version of this vaccine.
Anti Rabies Vaccine
Rabies vaccines are provided to people who were bitten or scratched by an animal, especially dogs and cats. The shot is given after a doctor’s evaluation.
Usually, this vaccine is given more than one. Most people need to have a course of at least 3 anti rabies shots.
The anti rabies vaccine price in the Philippines will depend on the number of shots. You can also share with other patients in each vial.
Covid 19 Vaccine in the Philippines
As of the moment, vaccine for Covid 19 in the Philippines is not available as of this writing. The world is still looking for a way to produce a vaccine at the earliest possible time. The disease is new and vaccines may not be available in the next few months.
Vaccine Prices
The cost of vaccines in the Philippines depends on the type. In most cases, newborn babies are given vaccines in packages.
For adults, the optional updates, booster or yearly vaccine schedules are available. A price list of vaccines can help you plan your budget and keep you protected against infections.
The price of vaccine in the Philippines will be based on the number of shots. Some require only one while others may require at least three (3) shots, including boosters.
The adult vaccines in the Philippines may also be covered by discounts using HMO health cards and Senior Citizen ID. Inquire about these promos from the local pharmacy or your doctor.
The average price of vaccines in the Philippines can start from from Php 700 to Php 3,000.
Adults and Children
Routine vaccines are usually given to babies and children. They are necessary to protect them against the diseases. They may be availed either in hospitals, health centers and other government institutions.
On the other hand, adults may also avail of vaccines that were previously not given to them as a child. Always consult with your doctor about immunization for adults.
Free Shots
Some of the routine vaccines are provided for free especially in the LGU level. In the Philippines, the department of health promotes free vaccines especially to the general population. This is an important step to prevent the spread of the disease.
Vaccines in Drug Stores and Pharmacies
Major pharmacies like Mercury Drug and Watsons are offering free vaccine administration to their customers. Usually, they provide free services for flu and pneumonia shots. A specific schedule if published in their respective branches.
Take note that only the service is free of charge. Customers still need to but and pay for the actual vaccine. They are usually affordable and discounted for senior citizens.
References from: PublicHealth, Mayoclinic, CDC
Last Updated on May 8, 2024 by Medical Pinas
About the Author: MedicalPinas has several years of experience in publishing articles to help Filipinos find medical services and their estimated prices. It strives to provide the most accurate info available through extensive research. Info may change without notice. This site is not affiliated with any of the mentioned brands/companies and does not represent the same.
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