The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Wednesday, July 3, that a new dengue vaccine could arrive in the Philippines this year.
In a pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) special interview with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on PTV, he said that he spoke with Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceuticals about their dengue vaccine product last year.
"I talked to them last year. They also applied for a CPR (Certificate of Product Registration). So we are just waiting," Herbosa said in a mix of English and Filipino.
"So, we are just waiting for the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The FDA is still studying the requirements they submitted. And once approved, it will arrive," he added.
Herbosa said that the usual process of approval takes about a year.
"So, if they applied last year, it would come out anytime this year," he said.
He explained that "scientists understand now that the dengue vaccine should only be given to those who have already had dengue."
This is due to incidents of death among some children allegedly because of Dengvaxia.
"Alright. Remember, we were one of the first three countries to have the vaccine. This was Dengvaxia. The dengue vaccine. But there were problems. Some children died," the official said.
He noted that individuals receiving this vaccine should first undergo a serology test to determine if they have had dengue before.
"It can't be given to just anyone. They must have had dengue. It prevents the second infection because the second infection is worse. That's the dengue hemorrhagic shock syndrome," he said.
Vector control
However, Herbosa pointed out that the primary solution for dengue is vector control, which involves managing the carrier of the disease, in this case, the mosquito.
"In fact, I talked to the World Wolbachia Program. This is another research. It was used in Indonesia and other countries," he said.
This program involves introducing bacteria into female mosquitoes, preventing them from having Dengue.
"Vector control is the important solution to dengue during the season," he said.
"Because in the season, even if you vaccinate many people, it's useless. Because you need two doses. So, vaccines are not the solution during our dengue season now," he added.
Herbosa emphasized that this type of research will be conducted here in the Philippines.
Furthermore, Herbosa urged the public to "search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds to reduce their numbers."
He emphasized that if a child develops fever and rashes, immediate medical attention is crucial as it is likely dengue.
On July 1, the DOH reported 77,867 dengue cases from January to June.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/1/doh-logs-over-77-000-dengue-cases-from-january-to-june