As of 26 May 2025, the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Council has completed the evidence appraisal on the assessment of Japanese encephalitis vaccine for the prevention of Japanese encephalitis among children 9 to 59 months old in high risk areas as defined in the DOH Omnibus Health Guidelines (OHG) for Children under 10 years (2023), for possible government financing. The HTA Council hereby releases its preliminary recommendation on the said health technology for stakeholder feedback and comments from 26 May (Monday) to 10 June (Tuesday) 2025.

As a preliminary recommendation, the HTA Council positively recommends both JE vaccines to be rolled out in high risk areas (as defined by DOH) contingent to the budget and resource availability, acknowledging that despite its high cost and impact to the NIP budget, it will be beneficial for the target population as it mitigates JE and its complications. With this, the HTAC strongly recommends JE vaccine for price negotiation to further lower down its cost.

For the supporting evidence reviewed and discussed by the HTA Council, please refer to: please refer to the advisory and the evidence document below.

All comments, inputs, and/or appeals on the above preliminary recommendation may be submitted until 10 June 2025 (Tuesday), for the consideration of the HTA Council, through email at hta@dost.gov.ph. Please use the prescribed form for appeals indicated in the official HTA Philippines website [https://hta.dost.gov.ph/appeals-2/]. Appeals not following the prescribed format, and those submitted beyond the deadline shall not be entertained.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the preliminary recommendation, please contact us through the same email address or via telephone call via 8-837-2071 loc 4100.