Health matters should not be politicized

The Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring a possible outbreak of measles in seven towns in Negros Oriental. This is the fourth place where the measles outbreak began, since the issue over the Dengvaxia vaccine. The DOH fears that the issues were enough for many parents to be fearful of other vaccinations, in this case, for measles. On the other spectrum, many are flocking health centers, blaming Dengvaxia for almost everything from colds and cough, to slight fever. I understand even some vaccinated policemen are now being observed due to a variety of symptoms. In the end, it all boils down to how the government can financially help them, being Dengvaxia recipients. Has the Dengvaxia controversy affected the government’s other vaccination programs? Has mass hysteria resulted from the constant grandstanding of some?

At present there is no solid evidence that Dengvaxia has directly caused the death of any vaccinated child. Some of the children died for various reasons. I believe only two or three are being closely examined if the vaccine directly caused their deaths. Perhaps I should ask, for those children who now have measles, how many did receive the prescribed vaccination? If so, and they now have measles, is that enough for them to pursue a case against the makers of the vaccine, or the government? For the males who have suffered mumps during their adult life but are certain were vaccinated for it, do they now seek redress from the manufacturers?

There is a condition called “vaccine failure”, since the vaccine does not have the same effect on all people. The body needs to process the vaccine, called seroconversion, for the immunity to work. If there is no seroconversion, there is no protection. Unfortunately, Sanofi Pasteur belatedly announced that for Dengvaxia to be effective, recipients had to have a previous exposure to dengue, with or without clinical symptoms. Dengvaxia recipients were informed that those without a previous exposure to dengue may contract a severe form of dengue. It did not say it would result in a fatal form of dengue. Dengue is a treatable disease, if managed properly. Still, Sanofi Pasteur does have some accountability.

Until now, no other country that has accepted Dengvaxia has stopped its sale and use. No other country has stopped selling Dengvaxia other than the Philippines. There is also no reported death due to Dengvaxia in any other country. And I do want to know if dengue cases have been reduced in areas where Dengvaxia was administered. Did the vaccine help or not?

There is really a need for more sober, objective, impartial and non-partisan investigation into the suspected deaths due to Dengvaxia. The government’s immunization programs must also regain the trust and confidence of the public. Children cannot be left unprotected against potentially severe or even fatal, debilitating diseases such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and polio. Adults must also receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. Catching Hepatitis B may lead to a more severe condition, such as liver cancer. So don’t let the Dengvaxia hysteria perpetrated by some refrain you from receiving a Hepatitis B vaccine. In fact, health matters should never be politicized. Never.