Facts and information

Dengvaxia, the first ever anti-dengue vaccine, is all over the news. Sanofi Pasteur, the company that manufactured the vaccine, recently announced that those who were given the vaccine but have not been previously infected with the virus may develop more severe symptoms later on. More than 700,000 children have been given the first dose under the government's anti-dengue vaccination program. Due to the announcement of Sanofi Pasteur, many believe that the children are now at risk.

What we do not need right now is widespread fear and panic. What must be done is to monitor all the children that have received the vaccine, and immediately report any adverse conditions or symptoms that may be related to the vaccine and the dengue virus. Currently there are no reported adverse effects to the vaccine, contrary to the statement of some that three children have died, even calling for their exhumation. This has been strongly refuted.

With regards to all the planned investigation, where blame is already assigned left and right, it is good to know all the facts and information for the good of everyone. It should be noted that prior to the adoption of the vaccine in the Philippines, the World Health Organization approved the commercial use of Dengvaxia. This is where the investigation should start. It is important to know why the WHO approved Dengvaxia, if there was a known caveat in the first place. Did Sanofi Pasteur know beforehand the risks posed by vaccination on those who have not yet had dengue? Were their testing methods complete and thorough? Did the benefits outweigh the risks, especially in endemic countries? Did the government jump too early on the use of Dengvaxia?

The Philippines is not alone in its use of Dengvaxia. There are eleven countries that adopted Dengvaxia to be used commercially. These countries are known for a high incidence in dengue cases. Both Brazil and the Philippines adopted the use of Dengvaxia in a national vaccination program. The intention was to combat this deadly disease, where hundreds die every year. Information from these eleven countries must also be attained with regards to their respective use of Dengvaxia. Brazil continues to use Dengvaxia, citing no current adverse effects in its use. The Philippines has just stopped the program, pulling Dengvaxia out of the market while an investigation takes place. It is important that facts and reliable information be made available as soon as possible, with clarifications on what exactly are the risks for those who have not been exposed to dengue but have received at least one dose of the vaccine.