Caloocan City Faces Anti-Rabies Vaccine Crisis

Caloocan City Faces Anti-Rabies Vaccine Shortage Amidst High Demand Caloocan City, Philippines – A surge in demand for anti-rabies vaccines has led to a critical shortage at the city's animal bite centers. The increase in demand is attributed to a recent rise in animal bites, leaving many residents concerned about access to vital preventative care. "Paubos na ang stock ng anti-rabies vaccine sa Caloocan," stated a concerned resident in an interview with GMA News. This translates to "The anti-rabies vaccine stock in Caloocan is running out." The video shows long queues of people waiting for vaccinations at local health centers. Dr. Fernando S. Santos, Caloocan City Health Officer, confirmed the shortage, stating, "Sa ngayon kasi, paubos na 'yung aming mga stock." This translates to "Right now, our stock is running out." He assured residents that the city has already requested additional supplies from the Department of Health (DOH) and expects no disruption to those already undergoing treatment. Despite the shortage, health workers are working diligently to vaccinate as many people as possible. The Metro Manila Council is also discussing potential funding solutions to address the issue. This collaborative effort offers hope for a swift resolution to the vaccine shortage. The situation underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for readily available preventative healthcare measures to combat rabies in the community.