OVER P22 million has already been disbursed by the Department of Health (DOH) for medical assistance to recipients of dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.
In a press briefing, DOH Undersecretary Enrique Domingo disclosed that a total of P22.16 million has been spent for hospitalization benefits of Dengvaxia recipients.
“In both public and private hospitals, the expenses directly involved in hospitalizations were shouldered by the DOH, through PhilHealth and medical assistance for indigent patients,” said Domingo.
He said they were still waiting for congressional approval to use the P1.6-billion refund from Sanofi Pasteur for the unused dengue vaccines.
“This amount will expand our assistance and will cover medical assistance for hospitalization, outpatient health care, and deployment of additional nurses,” he said.
Of the disbursed amount, some P10 million was earmarked for Calabarzon patients while P5.2 million was for Central Luzon patients and P2.4 million for Metro Manila patients.
In addition, some P4 million went to San Lazaro Hospital in Manila and P481,452 for those in the province of Cebu.
DOH data show that there have been a total of 3,281 patients who were given Dengvaxia shots and needed medical attention after manifestations of adverse event following immunization (AEFI).
Of the total, Domingo said a total of 1,967 contracted dengue after being confirmed through clinical and serological testing.
Other medical conditions among vaccine recipients are viral infection (203); acute respiratory infection/influenza-like illness (189); pneumonia (96); and acute gastroenteritis (92).
Of those needing hospitalization, 98 percent or 3,216 patients eventually recovered and were sent home. The rest, or 65, did not survive.
“Majority of those given proper medical care have recovered. That is the importance of seeking early consultation. As soon as signs and symptoms are noted seek medical attention. It will be easier to manage, less complicated, and chances of recovery is higher,” he said.
Of the 65 fatalities, there were 13 who had dengue. Others died of heart disease (10); infection of the central nervous system (7); pneumonia (6); leukemia (5); and asthma (4).
“The Philippine General Hospital - Dengue Investigate Task Force is already finalizing the report on the next batch of deaths from Dengvaxia recipients,” said Domingo. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)