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PMA backs WHO recommendation on use of dengue vaccine amid rise in cases


The Philippine Medical Association is supporting the World Health Organization in its recommendation on the use of the dengue vaccine among other preventive measures, as the number of dengue cases continues to rise in the country.

"The Philippine Medical Association supports WHO current recommendations on the use of the dengue vaccine as a supplement to other preventive measures particularly on vector control and early detection and appropriate treatment," it said in a statement.

"Clinical trials and studies have shown that dengue vaccine will help individuals who had previous dengue infection from getting severe disease," it added.

The PMA also recommended the following:

  1. Only persons aged 9-45 years old with evidence of previous dengue infection would be vaccinated.
  2. Prior to vaccination, serological screening using Dengue 1gG ELISA or rapid diagnostic tests should be carried out.
  3. The dengue vaccine may be given to individuals who are interested, willing and aware of the benefits and possible risk of the vaccines.

 

The Department of Health declared a national dengue epidemic this month as the number of dengues cases continue to rise.

The Philippines at present has the highest dengue fatality rate in all of Asia with 720, with the DOH recording a total of 167,607 dengue cases as of July 27.

This was 98% higher than the number of cases recorded in the same period last year.

The spike in cases came as debates continued on the use of the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, with President Rodrigo Duterte saying that he was open to making the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine available to the public anew.

"The Philippine Medical Association is in favor of considering re-registration of dengue vaccine provided that all the national regulatory requirements are met," the PMA said. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News

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