MANILA - The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday advised travelers entering the Philippines to be vaccinated in wake of re-emergence of polio in the country.
"Foreign nationals and returning Filipinos of all ages who are intending to stay in the Philippines for 4 weeks and more, are encouraged to receive a single dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) not later than 4 weeks before their scheduled travel to the Philippines. Given that the traveler has not received polio vaccination in the last 12 months," the DOH said in a statement.
"Travelers undertaking urgent travel within 4 weeks are recommended to receive a single dose of IPV at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefits, particularly for frequent travelers," it added.
DOH also encouraged travelers leaving the Philippines to check immunization requirements of countries they are going to, and if required, receive a dose of IPV before departure and get a certificate from the Bureau of Quarantine to serve as proof of their vaccination.
Last Sept. 19, DOH declared a polio outbreak in the Philippines after 2 cases of the virus were confirmed in the country.
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