Amid the growing fear of the public on the reported drawbacks of the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, Malacañang called on them to remain calm and to stop spreading information that may intensify the already present tension.
“We understand the concern of our people, especially the parents and the relatives of public elementary children residing in Regions III, IV-A, and NCR, where the dengue vaccination initiative was launched by the previous administration,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
“However, we call on all citizens not to spread information that may cause undue alarm,” he added.
This, after Pharmaceutical company Sanofi said that prescribing Dengvaxia to those who have not acquired the dengue virus may cause severe diseases in the long run.
According to the Department of Health, there are more than 733,000 children who received the vaccination.
Assuring the public, Roque said there are currently no reported cases of severe dengue infection to those who have been vaccinated with Dengvaxia last 2016.
Moreover, the Palace assured that those responsible in the dengue immunization program will be held accountable.
“We will leave no stone unturned in making those responsible for this shameless public health scam which puts hundreds of thousands of young lives at risk accountable,” said Roque.
As to monitoring the students who received the vaccine, Roque said the Department of Health is now coordinating with the Department of Education to work on it.
(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 12/ 04 / 17)