The Department of Health advised the public to avoid buying vaccines for Japanese encephalitis or any vaccine sold online or from unauthorized distributors or retailers.

DOH Entomologist Ursula Segundo said that the Food and Drug Administration recently issued Advisory 2017-265 warning the public from accessing vaccines online or from non-FDA authorized sellers to be protected from poor quality drugs or counterfeit products.

Under Republic Act 3720, An Act Ensuring the Safety of Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics, as amended by RA 9711, all establishments that sell or offer for sale vaccines and other drug products must first secure a license to operate or an authorization from FDA.

Dr. Maria Socorro Sarfati of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center also said getting vaccines for Japanese encephalitis or dengue during the peak season when these diseases occur is not advisable as this does not guarantee efficiency. She said this may also cause complications.  Carlito C. Dar / PIA