MANILA, Philippines — The government should review the benefits of the Dengvaxia vaccine as dengue cases spike in the country, an infectious disease expert said Monday.
Dr. Rontgene Solante pointed out that the Dengvaxia vaccine has been licensed in other countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
“Dito sa Pilipinas where dengue is really, very high, tayo pa itong walang ganitong klase na preventive measures,” Solante said during the Laging Handa briefing.
(Here in the Philippines where dengue cases are really high, we are the country that does not have these preventive measures.)
“So I think high time na if in case the government should consider having Dengvaxia, they should review the data, they should review the benefit of this vaccine which is the prevention of hospitalization, prevention of severe dengue,” he added.
(So I think it is high time that the government should consider Dengvaxia, review the data, and check the benefit of this vaccine which is the prevention of hospitalization and prevention of severe dengue.)
Solante said it is important that following a review of Dengvaxia, a proper recommendation has to be made —including the age group which should receive the vaccine—so that there will be no hesitation among the public.
Asked about those who may object to the re-implementation of Dengvaxia vaccination, Solante said guidelines should be in place regarding the inoculation.
“The suspension should be lifted before we can use it. Ngayon kung pwede na natin gamitin, then there should be guidelines kung kailan natin siya gamitin at kung sino ang population na pwede natin gamitin,” Solante said.
(Now, if we can use it, there should be guidelines on when we can use it and which part of the population can be inoculated.)
“With that guideline, importante yan na maintindihan natin na ang benefit nitong bakuna ay intended for the population at high risk of getting severe dengue or high risk of hospitalization,” he added.
(With that guideline, it is crucial to understand that the vaccine’s benefits are intended for the population at high risk of getting severe dengue, and an increased risk of hospitalization.)