Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS:

First Regular Session

House Bill No. 929

Introduced by REP. AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 15, Article II of the Constitution declares the policy of the State to
take a proactive role in the preventive health care of infants. The State shall adopt
a comprehensive, mandatory and sustainable immunization program for hepatitis-
B and other vaccine-preventable diseases for all infants.

The inaccessibility of health care services and the lack of proper education
are few of the contributory factors why we continue struggle the fight for
eliminating Hepatitis — B infection in our country. This life — threatening disease
continues to haunt many Filipinos since we lack the proper immunization to protect
us from acquiring the disease. This measure proposes for a mandatory Hepatitis —
B and other vaccine preventable diseases to all infants immediately after delivery.

In view of protecting new born babies with this life — threatening diseases,
immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought

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AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO
2" District, Province of Iloilo


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._1029

Introduced by REP. AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO.

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR MANDATORY HEPATITIS-B VACCINATION OF ALL
INFANTS WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME AFTER BIRTH, AND
OTHER VACCINE - PREVENTABLE DISEASES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Mandatory
Infant-Health Immunization Act of 2010”.

SEC, 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ In accordance with Section 15, Article II of
the Constitution, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to take a
proactive role in the preventive health care of infants. Towards this end, the State
shall adopt a comprehensive, mandatory and sustainable immunization program
for hepatitis-B and other vaccine-preventable diseases for all infants.

SEC. 3. Coverage. — Hepatitis-B vaccine shall be administered by any duly
licensed physician, nurse or midwife to all infants born in hospitals, health
infirmaries, health centers or lying-in centers with obstetrical and pediatric
services, whether public or private, within twenty-four (24) hours from complete
delivery: Provided, however, That in cases of infants born in places other than the
above where the services of a physician or nurse is not immediately available, any
duly licensed physician, nurse or midwife who delivers, or assists in the delivery of,
the newborn shall be responsible for administering the vaccine to the latter.

The mandatory immunization under this Act shall cover the following
vaccine-preventable diseases:

(a) BCG vaccination against tuberculosis;

(b) Inoculation against diptheria, tetanus and pertussis;
(c) Oral poliomyelitis immunization;

(d) Protection against measles;

(e) Immunization against hepatitis-B;

(f) Immunization against rubella;

(g) H. Influenza type B (HIB); and


(h) Such other basic immunization services for infants as determined by the
Secretary of Health in a department circular: Provided, That children
who were not vaccinated of any or all of the above vaccine-preventable
diseases have five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act to get free
vaccination from any government hospital or health center: Provided,
further, That, at the time of vaccination, the child is below eight (8) years
old.

SEC. 4, Follow-up Vaccination for Hepatitis-B. — The infant shall be given a
second shot of the hepatitis-B vaccine six (6) weeks after the first dose.
Subsequently, a third dose shall be administered to the infant fourteen (14) weeks
after the first shot.

The second and third shots shall be given at the local health center or at
any government hospitai in the barangay, municipality or city where the infant
tesides: Provided, That the parents or legal guardian of the infant shall have the
option to take the child, at their own expense, to a private hospital or medical clinic
for purposes of follow-up vaccination.

SEC. 5. Vaccination Fees. - All expenses for newborn hepatitis-B
immunization administered in public health facilities shall be fully subsidized by the
government. Those administered in private health facilities shall be shouldered by
the parents or legal guardian of the newborn: Provided, That private facilities shall
be encouraged to develop a scheme for providing partial subsidy, depending on
the financial status of the parents or legal guardian.

SEC. 6. Obligation to inform. — Any physician, nurse, midwife, nursing aide
or traditional birth attendant who delivers or assists in the delivery of a newborn
shall, prior to delivery, inform the parents or legal guardian of the newborn of the
availability, nature and benefits of hepatitis-B immunization at birth. For purposes
of this section, the nongovernment organizations shall formulate and prescribe
guidelines on the notification and education relative to the obligation to inform. The
Department of Health (DOH), other government agencies, nongovernment
organizations, professional and academic societies and local government units
shall make available appropriate information materials and shall have a system of
distribution to the public.

SEC. 7. Continuing Education and Training of Health Personnel, ~ The
DOH, with the assistance of local government units, the academe, professional
societies and nongovernment organizations shall undertake a continuing
information, education and training program for all health personnel on the
rationale, benefits and modern procedures for newborn hepatitis-B immunization
and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - 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.

SEC, 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Act shall be taken from the budget of the DOH and shall be immediately
included in the following year’s annual General Appropriations Act, and thereafter.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any part or provision of
this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions
hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.


SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 7846, entitled “An Act
Requiring Compulsory Immunization Against Hepatitis-B for Infants and Children
Below Eight (8) Years Old, Amending for the Purpose Presidential Decree No.
996, and Appropriating Funds Therefor’, and Republic Act No.7392, entitled “An
Act Revising Republic Act No. 2644, As Amended, Otherwise Known as the
Philippine Midwifery Act", are hereby amended accordingly. All laws, decrees,
executive orders, rules and regulations or any part thereof inconsistent with this
Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the
date of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

Approved,