GENERAL SANTOS CITY–Health personnel in Region 12 allayed fears of the possible emergence of more severe cases of dengue in the region in the wake of the controversy over the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.
Dr. Francisco Mateo, Department of Health (DOH) Region 12 assistant director, said Wednesday they have not conducted immunization activities for dengue in any part of the region as the area was not identified as a priority for the program.
He said the immunization program was only implemented in three regions in Luzon and Visayas.
No local government unit has also purchased and administered the vaccine, although there are residents who were able to get immunization through private doctors, he said.
“(DOH) has already taken steps to address this. Part of that is the intensified surveillance which we have already been doing here in the region,” he said in a radio interview.
French firm Sanofi Pasteur, Dengvaxia manufacturer, earlier announced that the vaccine might have adverse effects on children who have not yet contracted the dengue virus.
DOH has already terminated the vaccination program and, through the Food and Drug Administration, ordered the pullout of the vaccine from the markets.
Mateo advised residents to strictly adhere to the government’s dengue prevention and control program, especially the 4S strategy.
4S stands for search and destroy, seek early consultation, self-protective measures and say no to indiscriminate fogging.
“Whether you received the vaccine or not, this is still the best way to counter dengue because we now have cases throughout the year,” the official said.
He reiterated that it is important for households to ensure that there are no mosquito breeding places within their surroundings and immediately seek treatment at the first instance of the emergence of possible dengue symptoms like fever. (PNA)
