The Philippine Foundation for Vaccination recommended the continuation and expansion of the dengue vaccination program initiated by the Department of Health in April for public schools students nine years and older in the National Capital Region, Region III and Region IV-A.
The Philippines is the first country to introduce a dengue vaccination program after more than a decade of studies involving more than 30,000 children in 10 endemic countries proved the vaccine’s efficacy and safety.
In a statement, the foundation said their review of the program found that 67 percent of the targeted children were vaccinated. The adverse effects of the first dose were within the expected range and no safety concerns were noted, it said.
“Expansion of dengue vaccination to more areas in the Philippines will provide protection against dengue in children nine years and older who have been found to be most affected by dengue. There is a need for continuous surveillance of dengue as well as adverse events related to vaccination,” foundation president Cecilia Montalban said.
Dengue is a vector-borne infection symptomized by mild dengue fever to severe dengue hemorrhagic shock that could potentially lead to death. The illness imposes a heavy financial burden on the health sector and the public, particularly during outbreaks.
Combined with environmental sanitation, vector control and public health education, the vaccine against dengue has been found to be safe and efficacious.
Lulu Bravo, the foundation’s executive director, called for intensive information, education and communication on the importance of dengue vaccination and other preventive measures.
The statement said the foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization to protect and advocate the promotion of vaccination as essential to disease prevention, especially among infants and children.