DOH: PhilHealth ID number not required for COVID-19 vaccination
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that a PhilHealth ID number (PIN) is not a requirement to register for and receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
This came following PhilHealth’s statement that according to the DOH Memorandum 2021-0099, all potential vaccine recipients should register using their unique identifiers, which include the PhilHealth Identification number.
The DOH said the PIN will only be required when claiming benefits in case of adverse events following immunization.
“To ensure PhilHealth coverage of Filipinos who are not yet registered to PhilHealth in cases of (adverse events following immunization) that need hospitalization, the government will set up registration booths at official vaccination sites to facilitate onsite PhilHealth registration,” the statement said.
It continued, “The DOH further reiterates that under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, all Filipinos, whether direct or indirect contributors, including dependents of contributors, indigent members, senior citizens, and persons with disability, are automatic members of PhilHealth.”
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez also said in a virtual press briefing on Tuesday that any valid ID should be recognized in the registration process.
"Puwede naman nila gamitin ‘yung lahat ng mga puwedeng IDs po nila. Wala naman pong problema for as long as magkaroon tayo ng tinatawag na pre-screening and listing para ma-validate na taga-doon talaga sila. And then ‘yung office ID pwede po 'yon," said Galvez.