Warning out on fake Japanese encephalitis vaccines

THE DEPARTMENT of Health in the Cordillera warned consumers on patronizing Japanese encephalitis vaccines sold online.

DOH-CAR Entomologist Ursula Segundo said they received an advisory from the Food and Drug Administration warning the public to refrain from buying Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine offered for sale online particularly in social media and other unauthorized distributors.

“Marami ng nagoonline ngayon so this advisory is very timely. This is based on RA 9711 which says all the establishments that sell or offer vaccines and other drug products must first secure appropriate License to Operate (LTO) authorized from FDA,” Segundo said.

Consumers avail-

ing from unauthorized distributors or retailers are at risk of buying vaccines of poor quality and counterfeit products compromised by noncompliance required standards of FDA.

FDA had already initiated the conduct of regulatory actions together with concerned marketing authorization holders (MAHs) on the proliferation of vaccines being sold online and from other unauthorized distributors or retailers.

The FDA also asked all local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure the sale of vaccines by unauthorized distributors or retailers to be stopped.

“We don’t have price list for JE vaccine because it’s not common at saka kung ano lang iyong FDA approve lang na JE vaccine ang pwedeng i-access. Hindi puwedeng bumili agad ng vaccine, kailangan macheckup pa ng doctor,” Segundo said.

Segundo added there are vaccines for the mosquito born disease although it is not available in Baguio City and Cordillera.