By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Dengvaxia vaccine, which has allegedly contributed to the deaths of several dengue patients, Provincial Health Office (PHO) head, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, yesterday insisted vaccinations provided by the Department of Health (DOH) are safe.

“We should not generalize because there are other vaccines,” he affirmed.

Tumimbang explained, the Dengvaxia controversy may create misinformation and clarified that vaccines are intended to prevent epidemics.

The PHO head noted the local vaccination program was conducted at a lower volume in 2017, as compared to 2016, but insisted it has nothing to do with the ongoing controversy.

He added, PHO is currently conducting evaluations as to why barangay health workers were not able to reach their vaccination targets last year.

Last month, Tumimbang also said PHO would be reviewing hospital protocols in preparation for future cases of dengue fever.

He explained they are checking for any problems with hospital referrals, claiming some medical staff may be “too overconfident” when it comes to treatment./DGB, WDJ