Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Coverage. - The mandatory basic immunization for all infants and children provided under this Act shall cover the following vaccine-preventable diseases:

(a) Tuberculosis;

(b) Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis;

(c) Poliomyelitis;

(d) Measles;

(e) Mumps;

(f) Rubella or German measles;

(g) Hepatitis-B;

(h) H. Influenza type B (HIB); and

(i) Such other types as may be determined by the Secretary of Health in a department circular.

The mandatory basic immunization shall be given for free at any government hospital or health center to infants and children up to five (5) years of age.

Hepatitis-B vaccine shall be administered by any duly licensed physician, nurse or midwife to all infants born in hospitals, health infirmaries, health centers or lying-in centers with obstetrical and pediatric services, whether public or private, within twenty-four (24) hours after birth: Provided, however, That in cases of infants born in places other than the above, any duly licensed physician, nurse or midwife who delivers, or assists in the delivery of the newborn shall be responsible for administering the vaccine to the latter: Provided, further, That for deliveries assisted by persons other than the health professionals mentioned above, the infant should be brought to any available health are facility so as to be immunized against Hepatitis-B within twenty-four (24) hours after birth but not later than seven (7) days: Provided, finally, That subsequent doses of Hepatitis-B vaccination shall be completed according to the recommended schedule of Hepatitis-B immunization, as may be provided in the implementing rules and regulations to be issued by the Department of Health (DOH).