THE DEPARTMENT of Health can require parents to have their children vaccinated against Covid19, Senator Francis Tolentino said on Monday.

He cited Republic Act 10152 or the Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act that allows the Secretary of Health to determine which vaccine-preventable diseases can be covered by mandatory vaccination aside from those listed in the law.

Under Section 3 of RA 10152, the mandatory basic immunization for all infants and children covers Tuberculosis; Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis; Poliomyelitis; Measles; Mumps; Rubella or German measles; Hepatitis-B; and Influenza type B.

However, under Section 3i, other types of vaccine-preventable diseases to be determined by the Health secretary can also be covered by the law.

Tolentino said that there is no need to pass a new law to inoculate children against Covid19 since it is the duty of the State to protect the welfare of its citizens.

“Iyon pong probisyon sa ating Saligang Batas tungkol sa kalusugan ay sapat na po na maging basehan para bakunahan ang mga bata,” the senator stressed.

The vaccination of minors aged 12 to 17 started on October 15. The government plans to expand its rollout later this month.

Tolentino said this is the right time for the DoH to require parents or legal guardians to have their children inoculated, as the country’s vaccine supply has stabilized.