MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – One of the big questions now facing ex-President NoyNoy Aquino and his administration’s Department of Health is why school children vaccinated with the bungled vaccine, Dengvaxia, were not pre-screened for previous Dengue infection or for pre-existing conditions like autoimmune disease.

Current information now points to the fact that Dengvaxia vaccination for those who have not had a previous Dengue infection, as well as for those with autoimmune disease shouldn’t have happened without pre-screening. 

Sanofi has admitted that Dengvaxia could cause severe effects for those who have not had Dengue previously.  Also, because Dengvaxia is a ‘live’ (attenuated) vaccine, it could bring about serious, adverse affects for those with autoimmune disorders like lupus, HIV/AIDS or even rheumatoid arthritis.

The Adobo Chronicles caught up with Aquino at his residence in Quezon City as he was enjoying a cigarette in his front yard, and we asked him for his comment.

Aquino said that he stands by his decision to have authorized the Dengue vaccination program, saying he did it in ‘good faith.’

‘All the while, I thought that pre-screening meant pre-election, and so I authorized the launch of the vaccination program in time for the May 2016 elections to ensure the victory of the Liberal Party. No one told me about the need to pre-screen children for seropositivity for Dengue or for autoimmune disease.”

Now we know.