Manila Times
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Friday, Apr 03, 2026
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Surge in Anti-Rabies Vaccinations Across the Philippines Amid Health Concerns
Public response increases as reports of rabies-related fatalities drive awareness and demand for vaccines.
The Philippines is witnessing a significant rise in the number of citizens seeking anti-rabies vaccinations at hospitals and clinics.
This increase appears to be linked to recent media reports concerning individuals who have died from rabies following dog and cat bites.
Hospitals, particularly San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, have reported a noticeable upsurge in patients.
Approximately 2,000 individuals are visiting the Animal Bite and Treatment Center at San Lazaro each day, a trend attributed to news of a man's death after failing to complete his rabies vaccination following a dog bite.
In August 2024, the man was bitten while visiting his brother's house and initially received one dose of the vaccine.
However, he did not continue the vaccination regimen over the following months.
It is believed that he was preoccupied with other matters and possibly deterred by the cost of subsequent doses.
This case has heightened public awareness about the dangers of rabies, which can be fatal once the virus reaches the brain.
Anti-rabies vaccinations are crucial as there is no cure for the virus once it advances to the neurological stage.
The vaccine provides protection lasting between five to ten years.
In the case of exposure through bites or scratches from stray animals, booster shots can be administered.
In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that anti-rabies vaccines are available at no cost in both national and local government hospitals throughout the country.
The Philippine government emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination to prevent rabies, which remains a significant public health concern.
This increase appears to be linked to recent media reports concerning individuals who have died from rabies following dog and cat bites.
Hospitals, particularly San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, have reported a noticeable upsurge in patients.
Approximately 2,000 individuals are visiting the Animal Bite and Treatment Center at San Lazaro each day, a trend attributed to news of a man's death after failing to complete his rabies vaccination following a dog bite.
In August 2024, the man was bitten while visiting his brother's house and initially received one dose of the vaccine.
However, he did not continue the vaccination regimen over the following months.
It is believed that he was preoccupied with other matters and possibly deterred by the cost of subsequent doses.
This case has heightened public awareness about the dangers of rabies, which can be fatal once the virus reaches the brain.
Anti-rabies vaccinations are crucial as there is no cure for the virus once it advances to the neurological stage.
The vaccine provides protection lasting between five to ten years.
In the case of exposure through bites or scratches from stray animals, booster shots can be administered.
In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that anti-rabies vaccines are available at no cost in both national and local government hospitals throughout the country.
The Philippine government emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination to prevent rabies, which remains a significant public health concern.
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