Sanofi, PhilCare ink partnership to promote preventive workplace health

Biopharma company Sanofi Philippines and PhilCare, a health maintenance organization (HMO), signed a partnership on Tuesday to promote workplace vaccination and a proactive health approach for the local workforce.

The agreement is aligned with the upcoming celebration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28 and World Immunization Week from April 24 to 30.

The partnership underscores the importance of taking preventive measures for safer and healthier working environments in workplaces and communities.

With the Philippine labor force participation rate at 63.8%, or people aged 15 years and above, translating to 52.09 million as of February, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines, such as influenza, are a common factor that disrupt workforce productivity and economic growth, the partnership statement said.

“As the country’s workforce continues to grow, maintaining employee health is important to sustaining productivity and economic growth,” Vanessa Yabut-Gomez, head of vaccines for Sanofi Philippines said in a statement.

“Immunization is one of the most viable ways to support the health of Filipino employees.”

The flu season in the Philippines typically peaks from June to November. Despite this seasonality, experts note that year-round protection remains important for working adults.

Unvaccinated adults, especially those managing underlying conditions, face severe impacts from the flu.

The World Health Organization emphasizes the critical role of vaccines in controlling disease outbreaks.

However, adult immunization remains overlooked due to significant barriers, including high costs, limited access to vaccines, and a general lack of awareness.

Through the partnership between Sanofi Philippines and PhilCare, these barriers are being addressed by expanding access for corporate members and strengthening vaccination awareness.

For PhilCare, the partnership reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare services to Filipinos across the country.

“By integrating critical vaccination options, such as the flu shot, into our broad range of healthcare offerings, we aim to address the gaps in adult preventive care,” Jaeger L. Tanco, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of PhilCare said in a statement. — Edg Adrian A. Eva