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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Not right to compare COVID-19 vaccination with Dengvaxia controversy says Duque

Not right to compare COVID-19 vaccination with Dengvaxia controversy says Duque

Published Feb 8, 2022 11:17 am

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that it is not right to compare the infamous Dengvaxia controversy with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination being conducted every single day.

Manila Zoo pediatric vaccination (PHOTO COURTESY OF MPIO/ MANILA BULLETIN)

"Hindi tama na ating ihahambing ang Dengvaxia. Di hamak naman na ito globally-implemented vaccination program, so talagang mayaman sa info, mayaman sa real world data, on top of extensive clinical trial data. Iba po ito at ito po ay talagang ligtas (It's not right to compare this with Dengvaxia. This is a globally-implemented vaccination program that's rich in information and real-world data on top of extensive clinical trial data. This is different and it's really safe)," Duque said during the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines for kids aged 5 to 11 on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

He added that the country has a very wide experience when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. Duque also mentioned that he understands that there may be some worry but he's sure that once people would see that their relatives, neighbors and people in their community get vaccinated, they will also be enticed as well.

The Department of Health (DOH) said that following several countries, such as the United States and Singapore, who offer additional protection to children aged 5 to 11 years old from COVID-19, over 8.7 million children have already been vaccinated worldwide, with zero deaths attributable to vaccines, 0.00013 percent serious adverse events, 2.4 percent with mild side effects all of whom have recovered, and 97.6 percent without any side effects.

DOH reminded the public that vaccination is not mandatory and consent is a must. All COVID-19 vaccines being given by the government are guaranteed safe, effective, and of quality, which is backed up by scientific research and data.

The DOH further emphasized that getting children vaccinated against COVID-19 remains to be the best protection against hospitalization caused by severe and critical symptoms.

“We must continue to work in achieving population protection by vaccinating and practicing the minimum public health standards as these measures will help in achieving maximum protection against the virus. With these, we can move forward towards a safer community - for ourselves and for the children of the future,” Duque said.

He also refuted claims that formulation of the COVID-19 vaccines were rushed and stated that these were already studied by the country's vaccine expert panel. national interim technical advisory group of experts, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"So yung risk of minor side effects versus the benefits of being able to start face to face classes, obviously benefits outweighs whatever minor risk there might be, and the risks are manageable," Duque said.

Related Tags

department of health Health Secretary Francisco Duque III COVID-19 pandemic Dengvaxia controversy covid-19 Department of Health (DOH) covid-19 vaccination program COVID-19 vaccines Vaccine expert panel covid-19 vaccine
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