Mercury Drug Transforms Pharmacies into Frontline Vaccination Hubs for World Immunization Week 2026
In a significant move to bridge the gap in adult healthcare, Mercury Drug has joined forces with the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and the RAISE Coalition to launch a nationwide immunization push. The initiative, titled "Basta Vaxx, Facts Lang!: Why Vaccination Matters at Every Age," was officially unveiled during a media roundtable as part of the global observance of World Immunization Week 2026.
Closing the Adult Vaccination Gap
While childhood immunization often remains a priority for Filipino families, health experts warn of a "significant gap" among the working-class population. "A lot of us stop taking vaccines when we enter the working class and usually only resume once we become senior citizens," noted Bryan Posadas, Vice President of the PFV.
The campaign aims to normalize adult vaccination by integrating it into routine errands. By leveraging Mercury Drug's extensive network, the partners hope to make life-saving shots as accessible as purchasing over-the-counter medicine.
Daily Access and On-Site Support
To celebrate World Immunization Week, Mercury Drug's popular "Vax Saturdays" program has been expanded to a daily service running from April 29 to May 5, 2026, at participating branches. Key features of the service include:
Free Administration: Customers only pay for the vaccine itself; the professional administration of the shot is free.
On-Site Physicians: Because vaccines are prescription medications, Mercury Drug provides on-site doctors to conduct screenings and issue prescriptions for those deemed fit to be vaccinated.
Targeted Protection: The program focuses on adults aged 18 and above, offering protection against critical diseases such as: Influenza (Flu), Pneumococcal diseases (Pneumonia), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Hepatitis B, and Shingles
How to Get Vaccinated
The process has been streamlined to minimize "vaccine friction." Interested individuals can pre-register online through the Mercury Drug website or simply walk into participating stores like BGC Market Market, Ayala Center The Link, or Quezon City Broadway.
Health advocates emphasize that these efforts are not just about individual health but about economic resilience. By preventing outbreaks of respiratory and infectious diseases among the workforce, the "Basta Vaxx, Facts Lang!" campaign seeks to build a more "bakunado-protektado" (vaccine-protected) Philippines for every generation.
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