BACOLOD City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya expressed support for the conduct of a Congressional inquiry on the dengue vaccine program of the Department of Health (DOH).
Gasataya on Friday, December 8, said that two of his family members received the dengue vaccines from private doctors.
“Probably next year, there would be an inquiry, and I will discuss this issue,” he said.
The City Health Office (CHO) had earlier confirmed that Bacolod City and Negros Occidental were not included in the DOH dengue vaccination program last year thus, Dengvaxia was not used among schoolchildren in the city.
Gasataya said the dengue vaccines were not used in public schools, but there were some children in private schools who received the vaccines through their private doctors.
He said that during the budget hearing, he questioned the DOH about the distribution of the dengue vaccines manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur.
“They released the vaccine even without a go-signal. As parents, we are more concerned of the health of our family members,” he added.
Gasataya said the DOH should ensure that this will not happen again in the future.
“Those who received the vaccines should visit their physicians and finish the three doses. Let us monitor our children and let us not panic,” he said.
Sanofi Pasteur global medical head Ng Su Peing had earlier said that the vaccine is not recommended for those without prior infection, as it increases their risk of contracting severe dengue.
But to those who have been infected before, the effectivity of the vaccine increases by up to six years, said Peing, adding that they advised parents to speak with doctors to understand the risks.
The Sanofi representatives said they will cooperate with any investigation over the dengue vaccine.
