Maricel Laxa, Christine Babao And Paolo Abrera. All Dengue Victims, Support The Introduction Of A New Vaccine Against Dengue

MARICEL LAXA and Christine Babao are both dengue victims. Maricel had it first when she was a teenager and later, when she’s already married to Anthony Pangilinan. Christine had it twice in high school and later, when she’s already on TV with husband Julius Babao. Paolo Abrera, who’s married to Suzi Entrata, had dengue only 7 years ago. He thought he’s invulnerable as he’s so athletic, joining marathons and triathlons. But he, too, was no match to the dengue virus. Now, the three of them are so happy because a vaccine against dengue is now available, from Sanofi Pasteur, an industry leader in pharmaceuticals.

“I was once traveling in Africa when I got word that our daughter, the eldest of our five kids, contracted dengue,” says Maricel. “You can’t imagine the agony I went through while my child was sick and I was so far away. It’s good my husband was here then and stayed with her. As a responsible mom, let’s spread the good news that dengue can now be prevented through this vaccine to make each one of us a wall against dengue.”

“Being a mother of two, I want my whole family to be safe from a life threatening disease like dengue,” says Christine. “The vaccine is a new tool in fighting dengue, aside from the usual vector control measures we’ve been doing. It’s no joke na ma-dengue kasi hinang-hina ka talaga, masakit mga buto mo, your nose and your gums will bleed. Last time ako na-dengue, three weeks ako sa hospital. Sabay kami ng sister ko. Kaya kami ni Julius, we’re really so happy na may vaccine na against dengue.”

“Having dengue is so terrible kasi walang gamot, you just have to let the disease run its course,” says Paolo “Among our kids, yung bunso namin ang na-dengue and as a parent, it’s painful to see her suffering, So as a public affairs anchor, I’m so happy that a vaccine is now available and I recommend to fathers like me to have their whole family vaccinated today.”

Dr.Lulu Bravo, president of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, says it took 20 years to research and develop the dengue vaccine. “One out of 100 dengue patients usually die and we’re happy that the vaccine finally became available last April and it’s given for free to all grade 5 students,” she adds. “Puede ito to kids 9 years old pataas and to adults up to 45 years old. Ask your doctor about dengue vaccination today. Visit the Wall Against Dengue page on Facebook for more information and join the launch of the Wall Against Dengue campaign at the Glorietta Activity Center on November 4, Friday to inspire people to protect themselves from dengue.”