The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday warned the public against the purchase of “supposed” vaccines for mpox (formerly monkeypox).
In a statement, the DOH said there may be groups or individuals “offering supposed mpox vaccines imported from abroad”.
“They have been brought into the country without the careful attention of regulatory agencies like the DOH and its Food and Drug Administration,” the agency said.
Mpox vaccines require certain storage and handling conditions like cold chain.
“Without DOH, FDA safeguards, there is no way to assure safety and efficacy,” the DOH said.
Earlier, the DOH has logged 15 confirmed cases of mpox. Of the tally, 14 are males and one is female.
Eleven cases are from the National Capital Region, three are from Calabarzon and one is from Cagayan Valley. Fourteen cases are still active and are in home isolation.
The public is advised to get mpox vaccines in the country once they are legally available to ensure that they get authentic, effective and safe vaccines.
So
urce: Philippines News agency