DOH taps UP-PGH to review Dengvaxia-linked deaths

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital will conduct independent review on the probable cause of deaths allegedly linked to the controversial Dengvaxia, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced.

In a press briefing Thursday, Duque said UP-PGH is the most credible institution that has no ties with Dengvaxia manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur to conduct the assessment.

“We have alleged deaths […] but we have to get and consolidate clinical charts and that’s why UP-PGH experts will be the third party review body to exactly find out what were the circumstances attendant to the alleged deaths due to Dengvaxia,” the health chief said.

On Wednesday, DOH insisted that there were no deaths related to the anti-dengue vaccine.

READ: '997 children got sick after vaccination'

According to the report of the department’s epidemiology bureau, 133 individuals who received the vaccine were reportedly hospitalized. Of these cases, 36 were due to dengue but the report did not specify if these were severe cases.

Moreover, DOH created an expert panel composed of scientists to examine new evidence against Dengvaxia and formulate specific technical guidelines on addressing adverse events following immunization, surveillance and management.

The expert panel is set to convene next week.

The health chief reiterated that the department welcomes probes into the procurement of the dengue vaccines and the suspected deaths.

“We are being transparent to erase doubts of some sectors and the public that DOH is concealing material information resulting from Dengvaxia vaccination,” Duque said.

READ: DOH to check on reported Dengvaxia dengue vaccine deaths

Families blame Dengvaxia for deaths

Parents of two schoolchildren who allegedly died due to Dengvaxia surfaced Wednesday at the Department of Justice to demand accountability for their loss.

The parents of Christine Mae de Guzman and Anjielica Pestilos detailed how the two children—both 10 years old—died months after being immunized.

They were assisted by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption and the Public Attorney’s Office.

Last week, the Senate conducted two hearings to investigate the P3.5 billion-anti-dengue immunization program, which has been suspended following the analysis that Dengvaxia poses risks to those without prior dengue infection.

READ: Families claim Dengvaxia deaths