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Case Study

Case Study

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Savannah Claire Eugenio
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12 views2 pages

Case Study

Case Study

Uploaded by

Savannah Claire Eugenio
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Dengvaxia Vaccine Controversy (2017)

In 2016, the Philippine government implemented a mass immunization program using the
Dengvaxia vaccine, aimed at preventing dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection
prevalent in the country. However, controversy erupted when concerns were raised regarding
the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur.

Sanofi Pasteur later disclosed that Dengvaxia could potentially worsen dengue symptoms in
individuals who had not previously been infected with the virus. This revelation sparked public
outrage and led to allegations of ethical misconduct and inadequate risk assessment by
government health officials.

Main problem:

The main problem in the Dengvaxia controversy is the delayed disclosure by Sanofi Pasteur
about the vaccine’s risk of worsening dengue in those not previously infected, leading to public
outrage and concerns about inadequate risk assessment and transparency by health officials.

1. What were the ethical implications of the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy in the
Philippines?
Answer: The possible harm to those who had never had dengue is one of the ethical
implications, as the vaccination may make their illness worse. Concerns regarding
informed consent also existed because it’s possible that many people were not entirely
aware of the risks. The conflict also called into question the moral obligations of
pharmaceutical corporations and government health professionals to ensure the efficacy
and safety of vaccines prior to their widespread use.
2. How could government health officials have better communicated the risks associated
with the Dengvaxia vaccine to the public?
Answer: It would have been better for government health professionals to communicate
by outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the vaccine in a plain and
straightforward manner. This would involve making certain that the public and healthcare
professionals, among other interested parties, were informed of the vaccine’s possible
disadvantages and limitations. Encouraging communication and frequent updates to the
community would support expectation management and trust maintenance.
3. What role did data handling and analysis play in assessing the safety and efficacy of the
Dengvaxia vaccine?
Answer: Analyzing and managing data was essential to determining Dengvaxia’s
effectiveness and safety. When the clinical trial results were properly analyzed, the
hazards of giving the vaccine to those who had never had a dengue virus should have
been brought to light. Achieving thorough assessment by neutral specialists, clear
reporting, and accurate data gathering would all contribute to precisely assessing the
safety and effectiveness of the vaccination.
4. How can trust in public health initiatives be restored following incidents of controversy
and mistrust such as the Dengvaxia vaccine scandal?
Answer: Transparency in addressing public concerns, owning up to past mistakes, and a
dedication to better processes are all ways to rebuild trust. Rebuilding trust can be
facilitated by establishing feedback systems, enlisting unbiased specialists in reviews,
and communicating openly. In addition, strong proof of enhanced safety precautions and
public health campaigns emphasizing the advantages of vaccinations and education are
important.
5. What measures should be implemented to ensure transparency, accountability, and
ethical conduct in future vaccination programs in the Philippines?
Answer: In order to guarantee fair evaluations, future immunization programs should
include strict pre-approval testing with independent review boards. It is essential to
present clinical trial outcomes and possible dangers in a transparent manner. High
standards can be maintained by establishing clear regulations for moral behavior and
regularly training pharmaceutical corporations and government health officials on these
rules. Furthermore, educating the public about the efficacy and safety of vaccines helps
promote accountability and trust.

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