Time will tell
At the Senate hearing last Monday on the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur, the maker of Dengvaxia, assured that the vaccine is safe despite the statement that it may be harmful if given to individuals who have not yet had dengue. According to Thomas Triomphe of Sanofi Pasteur, no one died in connection with the vaccine, which is still currently being used in eleven countries. The vaccine was also a "product of twenty years of rigorous development."
Sanofi added that one in ten children in the Philippines have not yet had dengue, so Dengvaxia benefits most of the children. But this rationalization was criticized by Dr. Antonio Dans of theUniversity of the Philippines. If more than 700,000 children have been vaccinated, that means there are 70,000 children who are at risk. Sanofi Pasteur also did not seem clear about their definition of "severe dengue," so there is also an argument in the definition, depending on who you ask.
While this controversial issue rages on, Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said that a child who was not vaccinated with Dengvaxia has died of dengue. So one cannot help but ask: Who is more at risk?Those who have been vaccinated or those who were not? Time will most likely tell.
We can only hope it does not have to result in the deaths of children, or anyone for that matter.The center of the controversy is former health secretary Janette Garin, who implemented a national vaccine program in three regions where dengue is supposedly prevalent. Before the Senate hearing, she explained that the acquisition of the vaccine was aboveboard, and they followed the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
But the finger-pointing has definitely begun in earnest. If Dengvaxia was always perceived to be questionable, why only raise hell now? When the vaccination was being given to thousands of children, why didn't they speak out? If Dengvaxia is really dangerous as they say today, why didn't they make their case before the implementation of the program? Everyone seems to be coming out, now that the children are supposedly at risk. Or did then Sec. Garin just ignore all the warnings?
The investigation into the whole issue will surely proceed, with many finding whom to burn at the stake. Perhaps we should also find out if there are other countries that have also suspended the sale of Dengvaxia, if any serious cases of dengue, or even deaths have been attributed to the vaccine, or if they are also asking for a refund from Sanofi Pasteur. I think it's also more important to closely monitor those who have been vaccinated in case they develop "severe dengue." If so, then Sanofi Pasteur must definitely answer for them. If it is also revealed that they withheld information on the safety of the vaccine, then they are indeed criminally liable.
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