Rep Garin blames Duque for vaccine distrust

Iloilo Representative Janette Garin criticized Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for allegedly eroding public trust in vaccines, which could impact the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Garin stated that Duque's handling of the Dengvaxia controversy, including what she called conflicting statements, has contributed to the diminished vaccine confidence.

Duque, however, attributed the loss of public trust to the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) and their numerous cases against the Dengvaxia program.

He pointed out that the Dengvaxia rollout occurred during Garin's term as Health Secretary and that he terminated the program due to Sanofi's disclosure of serious adverse effects.

Garin asserted that the Dengvaxia vaccine remains safe and effective and is still being used in other countries.

Garin warned that if the DOH applies similar criteria used in the Dengvaxia ban to a COVID-19 vaccine, the Philippines might miss out on crucial protection and a cure.