DOH-3 assures monitoring, care of Dengvaxia vaccines

CLARK FREEPORT — Officials of the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Luzon have assured of proper monitoring and care of students from various schools in the region who will suffer severe cases of dengue fever because of Dengvaxia vaccine.

The DOH officials, led by Dr. Leonita P. Gorgolon, made the assurance of government assistance during the monthly Talk Widus media forum of the Pampanga Press Club at Widus Hotel and Casino yesterday.

Dr. Cindy L. Canlas, head of the DOH Communicable Diseases Cluster, disclosed that they have monitored some 170 who suffered from different illnesses but not related to dengue fever.

Gorgolon and Canlas discussed the DOH’s program dubbed Enhanced Dengue Program Response.

The government, through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), will shoulder the medical expenses of the affected children in government and private hospitals.

Gorgolon said they have coordinated with private hospitals who administered the vaccine to their respective patients.

From April to June last year, the DOH, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), was able to able to administer the first dose of the vaccine to 205, 058 students, second dose to 188,187, and the third dose to some 175,573.

Those vaccinated came from 2,998 public elementary schools, 281 rural health units and health centers, 1,983 barangay health stations, 66 government medical centers and 40 private hospitals.

DOH suspension of the administration of Dengvaxia by both private and government hospital in November last year. Gorgolon said the DOH Central Luzon office has implemented programs including the referral system, surveillance, and the engaging of public and private facilities to address the issue.

Gorgolon stressed that cleanliness and health of the people should be observed to prevent the spread of dengue virus. “Kung malusog [ang mga tao] at malinis ang kapaligiran, walang dengue.”