Vaccination remains one of humanity’s most powerful shields against deadly diseases, and Filipino health experts are doubling down on the message: vaccines are safe, effective, and essential across every stage of life.
At the 26th Philippine National Immunization Conference (PNIC) in Pampanga, specialists in infectious diseases and public health emphasized that vaccines do more than prevent illness—they protect families, strengthen communities, and even boost the economy.
“Immunization is an investment for our health,” said pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. Josefina Carlos. “If we don’t get sick, we’re able to save. If we are able to save families, then everyone can be happy.”
During a media roundtable titled Novel Vaccine Advocacy and Public Health Priorities, Dr. Carlos and Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) President Dr. Rose Capeding highlighted the strong safety and efficacy profiles of both traditional and new vaccines, including those for shingles and dengue. The event was organized by PFV in partnership with Takeda Philippines.
Global data reinforces their message. The World Health Organization estimates that vaccines save an average of six lives per minute and have prevented 154 million deaths over the last 50 years—most of them children. In the Philippines, immunization has eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus, and twice ended polio outbreaks. But misinformation, largely spread online, has eroded public trust in recent years.
Still, the tide is turning. Vaccine acceptance is improving, and organizations like PFV are intensifying efforts to provide science-backed information. “Our aim is for vaccination to become an essential part of protection for every Filipino—from infancy to old age. It’s a life course approach,” said Dr. Capeding.
PFV, recognized by the WHO as part of its Vaccine Safety Net, also warns of growing threats such as shingles—a painful viral condition affecting adults over 50—and dengue, which remains endemic in the Philippines. DOH data from January to September 2025 recorded 234,855 dengue cases and 912 deaths.
Takeda’s dengue vaccine, TAK-003, is among the newest tools in the fight. Its Phase 3 TIDES trial, involving the Philippines, has shown seven years of sustained protection across all four dengue serotypes. The WHO has prequalified the vaccine for use in high-burden areas, and over 20 million doses have been distributed across 11 endemic countries.
PFV Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo, speaking online, warned that dengue could be the world’s next pandemic. “It used to be only in tropical countries like the Philippines. But now, more than 130 countries are affected.”
As misinformation persists and emerging diseases loom, PFV stresses the need for collective action: families, communities, media, and health workers all play a role.
“The Philippine Foundation for Vaccination is calling for action—for everyone to become vaccine warriors,” Dr. Bravo said. “Let us all work together to become vaccine champions.”