Urgency Behind the Promise:  Procurement Delays Challenge DOH’s Routine Immunization Push

AS THE Department of Health (DOH) declares its renewed commitment to strengthen routine immunization in the country, questions are being raised about the alignment between public pronouncements and operational readiness.

In a press release dated May 28, 2025, the DOH reaffirmed its intensified efforts to raise immunization coverage, citing previous success in outbreak responses and nationwide catch-up campaigns. These include the Bakuna BayaniJuan initiative and the School-Based Immunization program, which reportedly reached 3.8 million students.

However, public records show that several critical vaccines essential for the 2025 immunization calendar remain in procurement limbo. As of late May, there is no public update indicating the finalization of procurement processes for key vaccines such as Measles-Rubella (MR), BCG, DPT-HepB-Hib, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, HPV, and Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV). Many postings made as early as January 2025 have either been rebid or remain without status updates, with no confirmation of award within the first or even second quarter of the year.

This delay raises serious concerns. When routine immunization depends heavily on timely supply, any lag in vaccine delivery can lead to stockouts in health centers, particularly those serving infants and children. Such gaps in the supply chain could hinder the country’s ability to respond to rising measles cases and achieve its target of 95% fully immunized child (FIC) coverage—a figure that stood at only 64.85% in 2024.

The delay in polio vaccination is particularly alarming. With polio still classified as a public health emergency of international concern, ensuring high coverage of IPV is crucial to prevent resurgence. Any disruption in the delivery of polio vaccines could risk undoing hard-won progress in keeping the country polio-free.

Equally urgent is the need to protect school-aged children. School-based immunization programs are a vital mechanism to reach this group efficiently, especially for vaccines such as HPV, MMR, and polio boosters. But without the timely arrival of vaccines, these school campaigns risk being delayed or scaled back—jeopardizing their intended impact.

The situation calls for immediate action. While health campaigns and catch-up programs are vital components of the country’s immunization strategy, they must be supported by a reliable supply of vaccines. To meet its own targets and safeguard public trust, the DOH must act swiftly to complete all pending procurement steps and ensure that vaccines reach local health centers and schools on time.

In the race to protect Filipino children from preventable diseases, including the threat of polio, every month—and every missed dose—matters.