UP-PGH to conduct independent assessment of Dengvaxia-linked deaths

The University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) will independently review and assess on the probable cause of deaths among children who had been administered with the controversial anti-dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia.

“We are being transparent to erase doubts of some sectors and the public that the DOH is allegedly concealing material information resulting from Dengvaxia vaccination. The UP-PGH, as the national university hospital, is the most credible third party institution to conduct this review for the DOH as it has the clinical and research expertise as well as mandate to provide assistance on matters of important health concern,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a press conference yesterday.

“UP-PGH will be providing an independent review and assessment on the probable cause of deaths submitted by the DOH through an expert group of pediatric infectious disease experts together with some forensic pathologists and other specialists with no financial and intellectual ties with Sanofi Pasteur,” Duque added.

The health department has been blamed by some quarters for the recent death of two children who were immunized with the dengue vaccine.

Health Undersecretary Rolando Domingo disclosed that they are set to refer two to three cases that are up for validation of UP-PGH.

“It will really be mostly clinical, especially the post mortem examination,” Domingo stated.

The results of the independent review are expected to be available within two weeks.

Earlier, the Sanofi Pasteur announced a “new finding” on its vaccine Dengvaxia.

“The analysis confirmed that Dengvaxia provides persistent protective benefit against dengue fever in those who had prior infection .... For those not previously infected by dengue virus, however, the analysis found that in the longer term, more cases of severe disease could occur following vaccination upon a subsequent dengue infection,” Sanofi Pasteur said in a statement.

Duque reiterated yesterday that it is open to all investigations being conducted regarding the controversy.

“The DOH commits to fully cooperate in the conduct of investigation on the issue and has, in fact, submitted relevant documents to the Senate and Congress,” he said.

“The DOH continues to consolidate all relevant document requested by the NBI upon the orders of the DOJ,” he added.