The highly-anticipated dengue vaccine Dengvaxia will be available for P4,500 to P5,000 per shot. Because three shots are needed, it will cost at least P13,500 - more than 5 times the annual PhilHealth contribution of voluntary members.
Inquirer shared that PhilHealth has decided not to shoulder the cost of the vaccine for its members. However, hospitalization because of dengue continues to be covered. 'Severe cases' have a package rate of up to Php 31,300 depending on the type of hospital, according to the PhilHealth website.
Read: Treatment of rare diseases now new PhilHealth benefit
Compared to other vaccines, the price is steep. Again, depending on the hospital or clinic, it can cost even more than or just about the same as a 6-in-1 vaccine, which, as the name suggests, is one shot that already protects against 6 diseases:
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- whooping cough (pertussis)
- polio
- Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B)
- Hepatitis B. Three doses are also required.
Read: Baby Immunization Philippines: What shots does your baby need?
The government acknowledges that not everyone will be able to afford the vaccine. The most at-risk public school students - 4th and 5th graders - will be receiving the shots free of charge. For the rest of us, we'll just have to dig deep into our pockets in exchange for protection against the life-threatening virus.
Read: Dengue cases on the rise – alarming numbers in Cebu, Cordillera, Gen San
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