Public warned vs. buying vaccines from unauthorized online sellers

MANILA — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday warned the public against purchasing Japanese encephalitis vaccine and other vaccines that are sold by unauthorized distributors or retailers online.

In its Advisory No. 2017-265, the FDA said it has received reports that these vaccines, which may be non-compliant with FDA standards, are available in social media and websites.

It noted that all establishments that sell vaccines and other drug products must secure a license to operate or authorization from the FDA to prove that they are legitimate and that they comply with proper distribution and storage practices, especially cold-chain management, which is required for temperature-sensitive products such as vaccines.

The FDA said it has already initiated regulatory action together with concerned marketing authorization holders on the proliferation of such vaccines online.

It has also requested local government units and law enforcers to ensure that unauthorized sellers are stopped in their jurisdiction.

The Department of Health has recorded 133 cases of Japanese encephalitis from Jan. 1 to Aug. 26 this year, 53 of which occurred in Central Luzon. Of the 133 cases, nine patients died – four in Pampanga, two in Zambales, and one each in Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Laguna.

The department said it is planning to include Japanese encephalitis in their immunization program for next year. (Leilani Junio/PNA)

Popular

PBBM to soldiers: Serve the citizenry, protect the homeland

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “Panata ito ng katapatan sa tungkulin at paninindigan para sa bayan.” At the oath-taking ceremony of 29 newly promoted generals and flag...

Gov’t assures prompt aid to Cebu quake victims

By Brian Campued Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide immediate relief to families and individuals affected by the magnitude 6.9...

PBBM assures sustained gov’t support to calamity-hit Masbate

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public that the government will continue to provide various forms of assistance to...

ICI follows evidence, not manipulated for political gain —Palace told Escudero, VP Sara

By Brian Campued The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) remains “independent” and only follows evidence and is not controlled for political gain amid its probe...