The Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, raised concerns over the significant gap in immunization coverage among the working-age population, particularly when compared to children and the elderly.
Working Age Adults Neglect Vaccines
During a media conference, PFV Vice President Bryan Posadas noted that the medical sector widely observes that most working-age individuals rarely receive required vaccines, such as those against influenza and pneumonia.
"Pediatricians are doing so well in vaccinating kids. However, there is a huge gap when we talk about adults. Many of us, when we enter the working age, we stop taking vaccines," Posadas said.
"Many get vaccinated again only when they are already senior citizens. But vaccination must be done as often as possible or based on their schedule," he added.
Posadas stressed that this vaccination coverage gap among the working-age population is problematic as it could lead to loss of income.
"Our problem is, if someone we work with develops cough, cold, or flu, it will infect others. We are now talking about the productivity of the worker. One day that they are down with flu, that would mean an impact on their finances," said Posadas.
Call for PhilHealth to Provide Free Vaccines
The organization of vaccination advocates called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to consider establishing programs that offer free vaccines to the public.
Posadas expressed hope that PhilHealth will provide free vaccines next, following the introduction of its Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (Gamot) program, which offers free select outpatient medicines.
"We sincerely hope that PhilHealth will start considering giving free vaccines as well through partners. That is how we can prevent illnesses," said Posadas.
"Let's look at it not just as costs. Let's look at it as a prevention for further complications that would cause more harm," he added.
He said they are optimistic that their call would be heard, considering the current direction of PhilHealth and its programs.
"We have high hopes for that because PhilHealth has their programs like Yakap (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) and Gamot. It means they are going to the primary care route, and working on (disease) prevention," Posadas concluded.
