THE Department of Health (DoH) has ordered the suspension of its dengue immunization program after its supplier revealed that its vaccine might cause a more severe case of fever, a symptom of the disease. “The analysis confirmed that Dengvaxia provides persistent protective benefit against dengue fever in those who had prior infection,” Sanofi Pasteur said in a statement. He assured the public that those without prior infection but were injected with the vaccine would still be protected against developing dengue fever for at least 30 months. Duque said there have been no reported cases of severe dengue infection to those without prior infection but who have received the first dose of the vaccine. Garin’s programThe immunization program was spearheaded by Secretary Janette Garin during the Aquino administration and was launched originally as a school-based program.

Source: Manila Times December 01, 2017 17:03 UTC