Distribution of dengue vaccines thru drugstores raises concern

THE anti-dengue Dengvaxia vaccines have not reached Negros Occidental, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO), although there are concerns that these have been distributed by private drugstores nationwide.

Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said he is worried that some drugstores may have purchased the vaccines and sold these around the country.

Tumimbang said that Dengvaxia was sold at P4,500 to P5,000 per shot or vaccine.

He noted that Dengvaxia has not reached the province because the Department of Health (DOH) gave the vaccines only to pilot areas, including Central Luzon and Calabarzon, which have high incidence of dengue in 2016.

“We are fortunate it has not reached the province but I’m worried about the private drugstores and pharmacies that may have sold it,” Tumimbang said.

Tumimbang said that he recommended to Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. to issue a memorandum, appealing to parents who may have their children vaccinated and bought the vaccines in private companies to come to their office for proper documentation and monitoring.

The DOH had earlier suspended the dengue immunization program for public schools in the country after the vaccine maker Sanofi Pasteur announced possible risk if the drug is administered to individuals not previously infected with dengue.

Updated information on Dengvaxia noted that the dengue vaccine has shown consistent and sustained benefit for those who were previously infected with the dengue virus.

For those who were not previously infected by the dengue virus, the analysis found that vaccination led to a benefit in preventing severe illness for at least 30 months. In the longer term, severe cases may occur following a subsequent dengue infection among those who were not previously infected.