By Leilani S. Junio
A student reacts before a nurse administers the anti-dengue vaccine at Parang Elementary School in Marikina.© AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS
MANILA (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday it has expanded its School-Based Dengue Immunization program to more regions in the country.
Aside from Central Luzon (Region III), Calabarzon (Region IV-A), and the National Capital Region (NCR), Grade 4 pupils aged nine years and above in public elementary schools in Central Visayas (Region VII) will also benefit from the immunization campaign.
The DOH announcement was made during the annual celebration of the ASEAN Dengue Day in the country.
Region VII ranks fourth among the regions in the country with the highest number of reported dengue cases since Jan. 1, 2016.
Last April 4, 2016, the DOH started the administration of the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia to Grade 4 pupils aged nine years and above in Regions III, IV-A, and National Capital Region (NCR).
The first dose of the vaccine is currently being given from April until June 2016.
It will be followed by the second dose for the same students in October-December 2016 and the last dose in April-June 2017.
As of June 12, 2016, a total of 300,087 pupils have been vaccinated in the three regions with parents’ consent. Strict surveillance is being conducted to identify possible adverse reactions to the vaccines.
To date, less than one percent adverse reactions has been reported, majority of which are mild fever, dizziness, vomiting, and rash.
“This year’s ASEAN Dengue Day is a significant milestone in our country as we are expanding our dengue vaccination through a school-based immunization approach. We are the first country to introduce, adopt, and implement the first-ever dengue vaccine through the public health system and under the public school setting. With this breakthrough, we can now increase our immunization services to address a disease that is of public health importance,” DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin said.
The Philippines is among the countries in the Western Pacific Region with the highest incidence of dengue cases from 2013 to 2015.
As of June 4, 2016, a total of 49,904 suspected dengue cases were reported nationwide.
Most of the cases were from the following regions: Region IV-A with 6,887 cases (13.8 percent); Region III with 5,141 (10.8 percent); and Region VII with 5,018 (10.7 percent).
Majority of the cases were males aged five to 14 years. There were 190 deaths reported during the period.
The Health chief said that dengue vaccination is just one of the many interventions against dengue. Simple measures can be done in every home at no cost.
As classes begin together with the rainy season, the DOH stresses the importance of cleanliness which is still the key measure against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue.
“We will continue to fight against mosquito-borne diseases through the 4S campaign. The 4S means Search and Destroy mosquito breeding places; use Self protection measures; Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days; and Say NO to indiscriminate fogging. Sa tamang impormasyon at sama-samang aksyon, protektahan natin ang ating pamilya laban sa dengue,” Secretary Garin said. (PNA)