PMA urges Marcos Jr. to approve TAK003 dengue vaccine

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite approval for new generation dengue vaccines during the launch of the END Dengue Coalition in Quezon City on Tuesday.

In a letter addressed to the president, the PMA highlighted safety concerns and recent advances in vaccine technology, citing TAK003 by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda as an example.

Despite efforts under the government's '5S' strategy against dengue, cases have surged nationwide with an 81% increase in 2024 compared to a 40% rise from the same period last year.

The DOH reported that as of February 1, Calabarzon (Region IV-A), Central Luzon (Region III), and Metro Manila (NCR) had the highest number of cases with Quezon City among nine local government units experiencing rising numbers.

Responding to the PMA's call, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo defended the FDA's role in thoroughly evaluating vaccines before granting authorization for public use.