Infectious diseases expert in favor of lifting of Dengvaxia ban

MANILA -- A doctor on Sunday said he was in favor of lifting government's ban on controversial vaccine Dengvaxia following the increasing number of dengue cases in several regions.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, head of adult infectious diseases and tropical medicine at the San Lazaro Hospital, said it was better to have Dengvaxia than no vaccine against dengue at all.

"If you're asking me I am for the lifting of the Dengvaxia and it will be made available, yes," he told ANC's Dateline Philippines.

"If you are given a vaccine that would reduce hospitalization, a vaccine that is effective against severe disease or effective against symptomatic dengue, why would you not accept that?"

He added: "If everything will be really done correctly and there is a recommendation that this vaccine is safe and effective then I would say this will be more beneficial to any country reporting a higher number of dengue infections."

The government earlier expressed openness to making Dengvaxia available again in the market following a spike in dengue cases in the country.

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The government in late 2017 stopped the sale of Dengvaxia and its use in the immunization program for schoolchildren after drugmaker Sanofi admitted that it may trigger more severe symptoms if given to those who have not had dengue.