Malacañang reminded the public on Tuesday that the government is offering free anti-rabies vaccination and immunization for children aged 0 to 5 years old at all public hospitals and health centers.

“Sakaling nakagat o nakalmot kayo ng inyong mga alagang aso at pusa —nangangamba sa rabies— libre po ang pagbabakuna sa mga government hospital (If you are bitten or scratched by your pet dogs or cats and are concerned about rabies, vaccination is free at government hospitals),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing Tuesday.

Rabies remains a public health concern in the Philippines, with 426 reported deaths last year. The virus is fatal once symptoms appear but can be prevented through immediate post-exposure prophylaxis.

For those seeking treatment in private medical facilities, Castro said PhilHealth offers an animal bite treatment package to help defray the cost of care.

In addition, she highlighted that a full range of routine immunizations for young children —including vaccines against tuberculosis (BCG), hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)— are also free of charge in all government-run facilities.

She urged parents and guardians to bring their children aged 0 to 5 to the nearest public hospitals or health centers to avail of the services. (PNA)