PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said that many government hospitals and health centers are now giving free anti-rabies and animal bite vaccines.
This is part of President Bongbong Marcos’ order to make health services more accessible to everyone.
“If you are bitten or scratched by your pet dog or cat and you’re worried about rabies, the vaccine is free at government hospitals,” said Castro in a press briefing on Tuesday, June 3.
She also said that if you go to a private hospital, PhilHealth offers an animal bite package to help cover the cost.
“For those who go to private hospitals, PhilHealth has an animal bite package,” she added.
Castro also reminded the public that vaccines for children aged 0 to 5 years old are free. These include BCG, Hepatitis B, Pentavalent, PCV, Oral Polio, and MMR vaccines.
“Just go to the nearest government hospital or health center for these free services,” she said.
Meanwhile, a report from Balita said that more people are getting the anti-rabies vaccine, especially at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, after being bitten or scratched by pets.
This happened after a viral video showed a father suffering badly in a hospital. He developed serious rabies symptoms after failing to complete his anti-rabies shots.
