FDA reviews Qdenga vaccine

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is assessing a proposed dengue vaccine, Malacañang said yesterday, reminding the public to undertake precautionary measures against the mosquito-borne viral illness.

Developed by Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., the Qdenga dengue vaccine’s efficacy is reportedly lower among children aged four to five years compared to those aged six and above, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

Data indicated the possibility of severe dengue serotype 3 risk among vaccinated persons who had not contracted dengue, she added.

Dengue cases nationwide decreased by 57 percent, with 48,151 cases posted this year from 110,924 in the same period last year.