MANILA, Philippines — Public health experts are observing a significant shift in the Filipino public’s attitude toward immunization. While “vaccine hesitancy” was a major concern in previous years, experts now argue that out-of-pocket costs, rather than fear or misinformation, are the primary reason many Filipinos remain unvaccinated.
During a health briefing on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante emphasized that awareness of vaccine benefits has reached an all-time high, but financial barriers persist for the general adult population.
Dr. Solante noted that the successful (and free) rollout of COVID-19 vaccines proved that Filipinos are willing to get inoculated when the service is accessible.
- The Access Gap: Current Department of Health (DOH) programs for flu and pneumococcal infections are primarily restricted to the elderly and the most vulnerable groups.
- The “Saving” Dilemma: Many adults express a desire to be vaccinated but tell doctors they must “save up first” to afford the private market price of vaccines.
- Competition for Spending: With various vaccines available (flu, HPV, pneumonia), low-income individuals are often forced to choose which one to prioritize, or forgo them entirely to cover basic needs.
The Department of Health acknowledged the limitations of its current coverage but pointed to significant budget constraints.
- Prioritization: DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo explained that with a “very tight fiscal space”—exacerbated by the ongoing national energy emergency—the government must prioritize those with comorbidities and high-risk profiles.
- Broader Health Mandate: The DOH argued it must balance vaccine procurement with other critical health needs, including the control of tuberculosis, hypertension, and cancer.
To bridge this gap, Dr. Solante is advocating for new legislation that would mandate and fund more widespread adult vaccination programs. He argued that the DOH is often willing to expand its scope but lacks the legal mandate and the corresponding budget to act on recommendations from the medical community.
Zainab Sadat, general manager of Sanofi Vaccines, added that the pandemic helped people across Southeast Asia visualize the “real-life impact” of vaccines, allowing for a return to normal life. Capitalizing on this high awareness through better funding could significantly reduce the long-term economic burden of preventable diseases in the Philippines.