Distribution of dengue vaccine hasty, says ex-DOH exec

The decision of the Department of Health (DOH) to distribute a new dengue vaccine even without the recommendation of medical experts from the World Health Organization was questioned by one of its former health official.

Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, former DOH undersecretary, told GMA News Online that using the dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, without a recommendation from the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO SAGE) may endanger children instead of saving them.

“With this haste, we are putting our children at risk because their data shows a waning of the vaccine effects after two years and exposing the child to ADE or Antibody Dependent Enhancement of the disease,” Herbosa explained.

“Meaning, children who will get dengue in the future may have more serious disease,” he continued.

Waiting for a recommendation from WHO SAGE, Herbosa claimed, is “prudent and wise” and is aligned with the decision of other countries waiting for more information on Dengvaxia.

“Twenty countries were offered the vaccine. Only 4 decided to register it: Mexico, Philippines, Brazil, and El Salvador. Many countries refused it and will wait for more Phase three data results,” he said.

Dengvaxia is a tetravalent vaccine taken in three shots at six-month intervals and its administration is recommended for individuals aged between 9 and 45.

Herbosa claimed that post-marketing studies or surveillance is usually carried out in physician-supervised batches for three to five years to “catch and report adverse reactions.”

“When we implemented this school-based immunization, we lose that supervision by a physician. Several drugs in the past have been withdrawn even after safety studies in Phase Three,” he explained.

Herbosa claimed that some like-minded professionals are “seriously considering” on laying down charges against DOH officials for the dengue vaccination program.
“We can still wait for the WHO SAGE guidelines and proceed from there,” he said.

Health Secretary Janette Garin and spokesperson Lyndon Lee-Suy were reached for comments but have yet to respond as of posting time. — BAP, GMA News