By Benjamin Pulta/PNA
MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday assured that the fate of individuals charged by prosecutors over the deaths attributed to the Dengvaxia anti-dengue vaccine will be known soon.
In a message to newsmen, Guevarra slammed critics blaming the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for the recent decline in the number of people undergoing vaccination.
“I have directed the Dengvaxia investigating panels to resolve the cases this month. PAO Chief (Persida Rueda) Acosta is just doing her job and certainly does not intend to scare the public about the possible negative effects of vaccination in general,” Guevarra said.
“That’s why the DOH (Department of Health), with the President’s support, will launch a vigorous campaign to inform the people about the necessity of vaccination to prevent common illnesses, such as flu and measles,” he added.
Acosta drew flak for purportedly grandstanding on the Dengvaxia controversy after French manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur issued a global advisory, warning the public over risks of administering the vaccine to persons who have not contracted dengue fever.
Relating this to the recently-declared measles outbreak, the PAO chief’s name was dragged for allegedly influencing general perception about vaccination.
The PAO has been filing cases against several former and incumbent government officials in connection with the aborted Dengvaxia program. Citing forensic exam results, the PAO said the anti-dengue vaccine resulted in the death of several children.
